Zarak shines in racecourse gallop as Royer-Dupre plots route to Chantilly

Five days ahead of Chantilly's Arc trials card, one of France's leading hopes enjoyed his own dress rehearsal on an away day to Maisons-Laffitte.

Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Zarak – a best-priced 16-1 to land Europe's richest race – has a mixed record at Chantilly, having finished second to Almanzor in last season's Prix du Jockey Club but then failing to fire in two subsequent tries on fast ground at the track.

Christophe Soumillon was on board for the work over a straight nine furlongs, tucking the four-year-old in behind two lead horses, before pulling him out and easing to the line alongside three-year-old Devamani.

"I asked them to ensure the gallop was conducted at a decent pace but had no need to see the horse finish off really quickly; we know he can do that," said trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre, who has won the Arc with Dalakhani and Zarak's dam Zarkava.

"For him to run two races together at Chantilly wouldn’t be a good idea. It's not a track he's always enjoyed and he's run badly there a couple of times, at three and again this year."

"This was his prep race without actually running in a trial. We did this so he didn’t have to contest the Prix Foy. We’re in good shape, his coat looks well and I’m pleased with him."

Grand Prix de Paris winner Shakeel worked on Les Aigles on Tuesday and will complete his Arc prep in Sunday's Prix Niel, while Royer-Dupre confirmed Vazirabad will return to action in the Prix Gladiateur on the same card.

Usherette makes winning return in Listed test

Usherette recorded her first victory since Royal Ascot in 2016 when winning the Listed Prix de la Cochere at Maisons-Laffitte on TuesdayCredit: Harry Trump

Later, after racing proper had begun, Usherette survived a stewards' inquiry to record her first success in nearly 15 months when getting up close home under Mickael Barzalona to defeat Game Theory by a neck in the Listed Prix de la Cochere.

"It was good to see her back in front because she hasn't won for a while and she needed a confidence-booster to relaunch her season," said Lisa-Jane Graffard, representing owners Godolphin.

"She'll need to come forward from this, but the Breeders' Cup might be an interesting option and could play to her strengths."

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