Classic action returns to ParisLongchamp on Sunday, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing featuring two standout Group One renewals and a key Group Two contest.
2.50 ParisLongchamp – Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas)
Puerto Rico bids to make a winning comeback in a strong renewal of the Poule d’Essai des Poulains. The Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Wootton Bassett ended a sequence of near-misses when breaking his maiden in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster and then carried that form into two top-level wins in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and the Criterium International. Having taken this race last year with Henri Matisse, O’Brien will hope Puerto Rico can complete a four-timer and prove hard to beat.
Nighttime and Rayif look the most obvious threats. Nighttime produced a solid trial performance and should arrive spot on for this assignment, while Rayif missed his intended prep but represents the strong Francis-Henri Graffard yard and cannot be discounted. Karl Burke’s Hankelow, unbeaten since a promising juvenile campaign capped by the Autumn Stakes, is an interesting each-way contender.
3.25 ParisLongchamp – Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas)
Diamond Necklace heads a high-class field for the fillies’ Classic. The Aidan O’Brien filly enjoyed an outstanding two-year-old season, winning her opening two starts before landing the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at this track in October. With Ryan Moore back in the plate and that form intact, she looks a strong favourite for Classic honours.
British raider Zanthos, fresh from success in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes and a solid effort when fourth in the 1,000 Guineas, merits respect under Oisin Murphy. Also of note are Narissa, who finished second in the Prix de la Grotte, and Isle Of Fernandez, who will be partnered by Billy Loughnane as he chases further Guineas success.
12.50 ParisLongchamp – Prix Saint-Alary (Group Two)
Juddmonte’s unbeaten Frankel filly Gilded Prize steps up in class in the Prix Saint-Alary and shapes like a likely improver. The daughter of Frankel has won all three starts so far, showing a powerful, fluent action and versatility to make all in a Group Three at Saint-Cloud. Expect her to be popular under Colin Keane.
Aidan O’Brien’s Composing, a promising juvenile who has faced stiff tasks, produced a respectable reappearance when fifth to subsequent 1,000 Guineas winner True Love at Leopardstown; the extra trip here could suit. Lapotheose and Evita are others who can make the frame.
Best of the rest
11.40 ParisLongchamp – Group Three over five furlongs sees Rayevka, Rogue Lightning and Mgheera among the leading contenders.
Sky Sports Racing will have full coverage of the day’s feature races and expert analysis throughout the card.