Why Andre Fabre's race record means we should take note of his Lagardere runner

Sunday: 1.50 Longchamp
Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Grand Criterium) (Group 1) | 7f | 2yo | ITV/Sky

Andre Fabre has not run many in this Group 1 in recent years, but it is notable when he does because his three runners in the last decade have resulted in two winners and a second.

Fabre had Territories take the runner-up spot in 2014 and has since been successful with Ultra, who landed it in 2015, and French 2,000 Guineas winner Victor Ludorum in 2019.

All three were owned by Godolphin, but Fabre's representative this year, Ancient Rome, carries the colours of Michael Tabor and most of his siblings were trained by Aidan O'Brien.

It's 16 years since the Coolmore partners teamed up with Fabre for Arc success with Hurricane Run and he wasn't a precocious juvenile. Could Ancient Rome be their next star?

Ebro River definitely falls into the precocious juvenile category and the son of Galileo Gold confirmed that when landing the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh in August.

He was only 1lb below that form, judged on Racing Post Ratings, when third in the National Stakes over this 7f trip at the Curragh last time and that suggests he probably stayed the trip. However, he set the pace that day and lost places late, shaping as if he wasn't strong over it.

It may be that he is more effective over sprint distances, but we should find out for sure here.

Stone Age will definitely stay and the three-race maiden drops to 7f for the first time in his career. All his runs so far have come over a mile or further, but he doesn't lack speed.

He is trainer O'Brien's only runner in the race and the Irishman is only 1-11 in the last ten seasons. However, Gleneagles would have made it two but for being disqualified in 2014.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Ebro River primed to end Palmer's 19-day drought

Hugo Palmer is battling with a dreaded bout of seconditis, but what better place to end that spell than in a Group 1 race worth €400,000.

The Newmarket trainer fields Ebro River, the likely favourite as the only one of the nine runners to have won at Group 1 level. He outbattled Dr Zempf to win the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh before returning to the track with a fine four-length third with only the two market leaders for next year's 2,000 Guineas, Native Trail and Point Lonsdale, in front of him.

Ebro River: winner of the Phoenix StakesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Palmer, who has endured five seconds and a third since his last success 19 days ago, trained subsequent Guineas hero Galileo Gold to finish third in this race in 2015. Now his star son Ebro River has a fine opportunity.

"We're looking forward to it, he's got a nice draw and seven furlongs at the Curragh is very different to seven furlongs at Longchamp," the trainer said.

"He was absolutely fine on soft ground earlier in the year, all we know is he doesn't want it very firm. We'll try and go two better than his dad."

He added: "We haven't had too many runners of late and sometimes you go through these frustrating periods, but the horse is in great form, so we're very happy."

What they say

Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to Marc Chan, owner of Angel Bleu
This has been the plan for a long time. I'm pleased with the draw. Funnily enough, his Pontefract race is as good as any and the ground made the difference there as it did at Goodwood. The only sad thing is Marc and Lily Chan can't get there from Hong Kong.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Noble Truth
Noble Truth doesn't look out of place in this field. He's a strong galloper who can maintain it. I think we'll allow him to use that gallop more this time rather than trying to take him back. He goes into this in decent shape and we're hopeful of a good performance.

Andre Fabre, trainer of Ancient Rome
He would be better over an extra furlong but this gives him a chance to prep for either Saint-Cloud [the Criterium International] or the Breeders' Cup. He's in very good form.

Christophe Ferland, trainer of Accakaba
We're running here for the distance of 1,400 metres and obviously the softening ground will stretch out the demands on her stamina. In the Calvados she showed she's very tough and produced really sustained effort. She's in really good form and this is the right race for her.
Reporting by James Stevens

Sunday's race previews:

1.15 Longchamp: rain could mean Andre Fabre decides to miss Boussac with star filly Raclette

3.05 Longchamp: the lowdown on Adayar, Tarnawa and more in the 2021 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

3.05 Longchamp: a blue day in Paris? Keith Melrose assesses who will come out on top in the Arc (Members' Club)

3.50 Longchamp: James Fanshawe letting Audarya's jockey 'get on with it' from low Opera draw

4.25 Longchamp: 'She's been there and done it' – Glass Slippers camp bullish before Abbaye bid

5.00 Longchamp: I've been trying to get Space Blues in the race for three years – Charlie Appleby

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