TippingPlay of the day

Tom Segal's play of the day at Longchamp

Vespertilio
2.50 Longchamp

Given how well the Imprudence form worked out in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, it is no surprise to see Romantic Style at the head of the market for the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp (2.50). However, it could be a mistake to overrate that form as both Ramatuelle and Tamfana improved a lot for the run and the race probably wasn't that strong in any case.

Furthermore, the ground is going to be a lot quicker than it was for the Imprudence and Romantic Style has a tricky draw in stall 14, so it wouldn't be any great surprise if Jean-Claude Rouget's unbeaten filly, Louise Procter, usurped her at the top of the betting. Stall two will be easier to overcome than an outside berth, but it still provides its own problems for a hold-up filly like Louise Procter as she will need a bit of luck.

Content has a huge chance on her end-of-season juvenile form, the highlight of which was her staying-on fourth in the Breeders Cup. On that effort she would have gone close to winning at Newmarket and must have a strong chance here, although all Aidan O'Brien's three-year-olds have been coming on hugely for a run and it's been well over 20 years since he landed the Pouliches.

There is another Irish-trained filly in the line-up that seems to have gone under the radar and that is Vespertilio, who was one of the best of her generation as a two-year-old. She likes to come from well off the pace, which often leaves herself with a lot to do, but she got close to both Ylang Ylang and Fallen Angel in top-class races last year and if she gets a pace to chase, she is likely to go extremely close. Vespertilio would ideally prefer a lower draw, but she's a hold-up filly and stall 11 isn't a massive problem as we saw in spades at the Arc meeting on decent ground last season.