'There could be a few headaches' - James Doyle thrilled with Map Of Stars as Wathnan middle-distance prospects return

By James Doyle's calculations he made 11 consecutive weekend trips to France last summer. On the evidence of Map Of Stars leading home First Look in a Prix Exbury one-two for his employer Wathnan Racing, Doyle should expect plenty more Sundays in Paris this season. 

"I watched him last season, but it was my first sit on him and he’s a pleasure to deal with," said Doyle after winning the Group 3 at Saint-Cloud on the four-year-old.

"We went an even enough pace and he switched off very well, but when he gets to the front he does shut down, and he’s done that again a little. It's something we’re going to be mindful of but, as Francis [Graffard, trainer] said, it’s good I’ve had a sit on him now. 

"It was pleasing to see First Look run a nice race again, and he looked like he could show again what he did on the pick of his runs last year, and we’ve got Fast Tracker as well. There could be a few headaches along the way."

Map Of Stars was purchased privately from Al Asayl last autumn and is bred to be even better over a mile and a half, given he is by Sea The Stars out of Prix Vermeille winner Bateel.  

Graffard said: "In his Listed win last October he ranged up to challenge very easily and then didn’t put the race to bed straight away, only just doing enough. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but it’s great when they find everything so easy. 

"I’ve no doubt he'll stay 2,400 metres and he deserves his chance in a good race up in trip. But for now he’ll head to the Prix d’Harcourt and, if he runs well there, the Ganay after that."

Darius delivers

Darius Cen made every yard in the Listed Prix Omnium II under Stephane Pasquier, continuing Victoria Head's fine start to the season with her three-year-olds.

Victoria Head (left) with Darius Cen after victory in the Prix Omnium IICredit: Racing Post/Burton

The son of Persian King was last seen winning by 11 lengths on heavy ground at Clairefontaine last October, but seemed to make light of conditions that were no worse than soft.

Like recent Chantilly Listed winner Tito Mo Cen, Darius Cen carries the colours of Yeguada Centurion and holds entries in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Prix du Jockey Club.

"He's confirmed what he showed in his last race of the autumn and looked like he did it comfortably," said Head. "I think we’ll stay at a mile for now."

Stone success

Flaming Stone made a winning debut in France when coming from off the pace to claim the Listed Prix la Camargo for trainer Henri-Francois Devin, having shown a good level of form in four starts at two for Andrew Balding – notably when fourth behind Lake Victoria in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes last August.

Flaming Stone and Alexis Pouchin after the Prix La CamargoCredit: Racing Post/Burton

The homebred daughter of Kingman has no Classic entries, but Devin and the Juddmonte team can reflect on a job well done in securing black type at the first opportunity.

"She already had very good form in Britain and has done well for her winter break," said Devin. "She came to me in fantastic shape and I didn't need to do too much apart from make the entry, but we're delighted. She worked very well in the build-up and picked up very nicely here."

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