Victor Ludorum to run at Longchamp on the day racing returns in France

French racing looks set to return with a bang as unbeaten Classic favourite Victor Ludorum launches his hugely anticipated second season on the opening day.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe third Sottsass is also scheduled to be in action on a star-studded card at Longchamp, where the action is due to resume on Monday, May 11.

Four Group races are programmed and Victor Ludorum, who won all his three starts as a two-year-old culminating in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Arc day last October, is pencilled in for the Prix de Fontainebleau.

Victor Ludorum: won the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere with authorityCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Godolphin colt is Coral's 11-4 favourite for the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas), which has been put back until June 1, and trainer Andre Fabre said on Thursday: "Victor Ludorum is a good hope for the Classic season, he will start on May 11 all going well and then go for the Poule d'Essai and the Prix du Jockey Club.

"He's a very good-looking horse, a quality type with a beautiful action and I'm very fond of him."

Asked about the colt's position as Poulains favourite, Fabre said: "At this stage of the year, when nobody could run, why not? He won the Prix [Jean-Luc] Lagardere, he beat good French colts – it makes sense."

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Unbeaten stablemate Earthlight, winner of the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes on the last two of his five starts at two, is prominent in betting for the first colts' Classics at Newmarket and Longchamp.

"The plan was to give Earthlight a first run over seven furlongs and we'll see what we're going to do," Fabre said.

"He's done well but he was a precocious two-year-old and I want to see how he's doing as a three-year-old – it's always a bit of a concern.

"The 2,000 Guineas is an option for a horse of quality but we'll have to discuss it with Sheikh Mohammed and see how things are going in England."

A return to Newmarket is an option for Middle Park Stakes winner EarthlightCredit: Edward Whitaker

No racing has taken place in France since March 17 and the country has been in lockdown due to the coronavirus restrictions but Fabre, 30-time champion trainer, is happy with how he has been able to prepare the string at his Chantilly base.

"It's been good," he said. "We could work normally, all the horses are ready to have their first race, France Galop has maintained the facilities really well so I'm happy.

"The horses look good and the extra month was not bad for young horses, it always tends to progress them a little bit.

"We are all living for racing, it might be stupid but it's a matter of fact and so we're keen to go back on the racecourse and see our horses. The owners put a lot of money in and at least they can see their horses run."

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Last year's Jockey Club winner Sottsass, who was beaten three and a half lengths in the Arc, is set to reappear in the Prix d'Harcourt on a day when stablemates Helter Skelter and Simeen will tackle the Classic trials.

Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget told Paris-Turf: "Sottsass worked on Tuesday and went very well. He will be out on the Monday and will run in the Prix d'Harcourt.

"Helter Skelter is also in good form and will contest the Prix de Fontainebleau. Simeen will make her comeback in the Prix de la Grotte and will need the run. It isn't ideal as a prep but we need to go there in the way to the Poule [d'Essai des Pouliches]."

Read more:

French racing still set for May restart despite sport restrictions by government

'Don't forget Threat' says Hannon with star prospect on course for 2,000 Guineas

French racing to restart with four Group races and Monday slot for the Guineas

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