'There's something a bit special about her' - could we see a new star in the Marcel Boussac?

There is no denying that Francis-Henri Graffard is the force in French racing right now and he often runs his best filly in this Group 1. He saddled the first two last year, with Vertical Blue beating hot favourite Zarigana, and also sent out Les Pavots to finish third the season before.

This year Graffard runs Narissa and Clea Chope, but both have their work cut out to reverse the placings with Green Spirit, who is unbeaten and had them behind in each of her last two starts. So could it be that Christopher Head, who trains Green Spirit, saddles this year’s star?

Head won the race with the outstanding Blue Rose Cen three years ago and has purred in his praise for Green Spirit, who has had this race as her principal target since her win here last month. She looks like the outstanding young filly in France and this is her chance to prove it.

Christopher Head: trainer of the impressive Green SpiritCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Her biggest danger probably comes from the visiting Aidan O’Brien team. O'Brien has two wins and three places from just eight runners in the last ten years and also won two seasons ago with Opera Singer. Christophe Soumillon partners his first string this time in Diamond Necklace.

She is aiming to become a first Group 1 winner for new sire St Mark’s Basilica, who showed a lot of his best form in France, and Soumillon pinpointed this race as the likely target following her last win at Leopardstown. There is every chance she can take a step forward.

It should be a fascinating match between the big two, who are both hugely exciting prospects, but there is something a little bit special about Green Spirit and I can't wait to see her again.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

'We think she's nice' – Aidan O'Brien hoping Diamond Necklace can sparkle

Aidan O'Brien sits on top of the roll of honour alongside Criquette Head-Maarek and Pascal Bary, with each of them having recorded five wins in the Prix Marcel Boussac, so victory for Diamond Necklace would send O'Brien out on his own as well as edging him ever closer to that world record of 29 Group or Grade 1 wins in a season. 

The Ballydoyle trainer has won this with Rumplestiltskin (2005), Misty for Me (2010), Found (2014), Ballydoyle (2015) and Opera Singer (2023), and in the unbeaten Diamond Necklace he seems to have unearthed another jewel. 

Diamond Necklace: bidding to give Aidan O'Brien a record sixth win in this raceCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

She is two from two and Christophe Soumillon didn't even have to get serious with her in securing a Listed race at Leopardstown during the Irish Champions Festival. 

Diamond Necklace is generally 12-1 ante-post favourite for next year's Oaks and victory here would probably see her shorten into single figures for the Epsom Classic. 

O'Brien said of his filly: "She's very well. Christophe didn't have to even hit her at Leopardstown and she was nicely on top at the line. We've always thought she was a very nice filly and she's progressing all the time. We think she's nice."

What they say

Francis Graffard, trainer of Clea Chope
When her owners asked me if I was happy to run I told them that she’s in great form and that she’s come out of her last race very well and she is progressing in the mornings. If she finishes in the first five I’ll be pleased.

Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager to Wertheimer et Frere, owners of Green Spirit and Ozone
What I love about Green Spirit is her turn of foot, which she showed when she got out of trouble at Deauville. I think she’s very good and Christopher [Head] has been targeting this race for a long time so we’re expecting a big run. She’s easy in terms of ground and, in any case, it’s the first race on fresh ground. Ozone has won easily twice, though not against the same level of opposition. But she’s done everything right and her win at Lyon was on soft ground. If we didn’t have Green Spirit we would definitely be running her so we gave Christophe [Ferland] the choice and he wanted to try. She has less experience, while I think she’ll make a lovely three-year-old.

Nemone Routh, racing manager to the Aga Khan Studs, owners of Narissa
She's been beaten twice by Green Spirit, who is clearly a smart filly, so we’ve got a bit to find with her. Narissa came out of the Prix d’Aumale well, she’s a very straightforward, consistent and honest two-year-old. Francis [Graffard] felt it was worth trying to ride her for a place and, if we could get a Group 1 placing with her, we would be very happy.

Mario Baratti, trainer of Bandiagara
She was far from embarrassed in the Six Perfections at Deauville and then she was third against the colts, showing great courage. She was in the Arqana Sale on Saturday evening so we will see if she is sold and whether the new owners want to run.

Read more of our Arc day Raceday Intel:

1.15 Longchamp: Puerto Rico out to give Aidan O'Brien tenth Lagardere - but dangers headed by unbeaten colt with 'a big turn of foot' 

1.50 Longchamp: could pocket rocket Ponntos hold the key to the Abbaye from a plum draw in stall two? 

3.05 Longchamp: 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe pinstickers' guide: runners, tips, key quotes and star ratings from our man in France 

3.50 Longchamp: See The Fire, Tamfana and Wemightakedlongway do battle in fascinating Prix de l'Opera clash 

4.20 Longchamp: 'What we thought was quite a nice chance is much more difficult' - can Foret big fancies overcome poor draws? 

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