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

A Prix de la Foret field is usually populated by seven-furlong specialists, milers dropping in distance and the odd sprinter going the other way. All angles are covered this year. 

Bringing top-class sprint form to the table is Sajir, who went from Abernant Stakes victory in the spring to a defeat of Lazzat in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest last time. 

That form is the best in this field, with Lazzat widely considered Europe’s best sprinter, although Sajir’s chance is compromised by a high draw in stall 13 and probably the stiffer test of stamina. 

Three boxes from Sajir is early favourite More Thunder, whose starting berth in 16 is even more troublesome. 

More Thunder has improved for stepping up to seven furlongs and looked a Group horse in a handicap when an unlucky loser of the Wokingham over six furlongs before scrambling home when first sent up in trip in the Bunbury Cup. 

More Thunder must overcome a tricky draw in stall 16Credit: Edward Whitaker

When toying with Witness Stand and King’s Gamble in the Hungerford Stakes on his latest outing, he looked a Group 1 horse in a Group 2. 

William Haggas has a precedent in this race with three-time winner One Master, the last horse to defy a draw in the teens in the 2018 running. 

Forgotten filly Zarigana is interesting from stall six. Her resolution came under fire when Cercene seemed to outbattle her in the Coronation Stakes and going back a furlong looks the correct move. 

We should also consider those who contested the City of York Stakes, which joined the Foret as Europe’s second non-juvenile seven-furlong Group 1 this year.

Exactly (stall three) was sixth on the Knavesmire and boosted the form when narrowly beaten by Fallen Angel in the Matron. 

Three places ahead of Exactly at York was Maranoa Charlie (stall four), who sat closer to a hot pace than the first two. His claims are obvious for last season’s winning trainer Christopher Head.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Nemone Routh, racing manager to the Aga Khan Studs, owners of Roshvar and Zarigana
Zarigana has a good draw and Mickael Barzalona should be able to find some cover. They should go fast enough for her as well. She’s in great form and I always felt this was the ideal trip for her sire, Siyouni. Roshvar hasn't got a great draw but it could be worse. He has a lot of early speed and deserves to take his chance.

David Menuisier, trainer of Devil's Point
He ran very well in the Park Stakes on his comeback when he came to win his race and then got tired. He'll be fitter but I don't know whether he'll be competitive for the win. Stall 12 isn't brilliant but he's a very handy horse and won't pull. The more rain the better.

Sajir (second right) is among the favourites for the Prix de la ForetCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Andre Fabre, trainer of Sajir
He’s in good shape and everything has gone well. The Maurice de Gheest form has fallen to pieces unfortunately, but he’s shown before that he’s very good. In a big field his draw in 13 is a concern.

William Haggas, trainer of More Thunder
More Thunder is drawn 16 of 16 and that has made what we thought was quite a nice chance much more difficult.

Ed Walker, trainer of Ten Bob Tony
He'll love the ground. I don't really know what went wrong at Doncaster but it was too bad to be true and he seems fine, so we hope he can bounce back.

Richard Brown, racing adviser to Wathnan Racing, owners of Exxtra
She's got a terrible draw, which is going to make it very difficult. It's probably going to be her last race, so we'll let her take her chance, but she's up against it. Having said that, Yann Lerner reports she's in the form of her life.  

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Exactly
She's fine over seven furlongs, has a good draw and seems to be in good form. Hopefully she can run a nice race in what looks a competitive Foret.
Reporting by Scott Burton

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