Parislongchamp 04 October 2015
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It was something of an anticlimax when Ballydoyle's colours were lowered by a lesser-fancied stablemate in the Moyglare at the Curragh, but that still represents a strong level of form and she commands the utmost respect. Preference, though, is for Pascal Bary's ANTONOE, who preserved her unbeaten record in impressive fashion in the Group 3 Prix d'Aumale at Chantilly last month. She showcased a stunning turn of foot on that occasion and looks a star in the making. Qemah was well adrift of the selection on debut but has run out an easy winner since so rates a solid each-way contender. Turret Rocks is also worth a place on the shortlist.
Following Gleneagles' demotion in this contest 12 months ago, Aidan O'Brien can gain compensation with JOHANNES VERMEER. He still looked rough around the edges when winning at Leopardstown last month but he's a big, scopey individual who should take this step up in class in his stride. Herald The Dawn brings a rock-solid level of form to the table and represents another strong challenge from Ireland. The home team will likely have to rely on the unbeaten Ultra, though Attendu is improving all the time and shouldn't be overlooked. It possibly wasn't the strongest Vintage Stakes that Galileo Gold won, but he should give a good account of himself nevertheless.
A case can be made for plenty of these and the three-year-olds hold a strong hand with the likes of Covert Love, Diamondsandrubies and Star Of Seville. Of those, Irish Oaks winner Covert Love looks the pick after going down narrowly to Pleascach in the Yorkshire Oaks. Last year's winner WE ARE is certain to be suited to this return to better ground, though, with her record on going without soft in the description reading 112, and her only defeat coming to the great Treve. Cladocera has returned from Meydan in good form and she has been thereabouts in two Group 1s on her most recent starts. A repeat of her second to Legatissimo last time would give her a big chance.
This race revolves around TREVE, who bids for an historic third victory in this race and will prove tough to stop if repeating the effort that saw her land her second Prix Vermeille over track and trip. She looks the likeliest winner, but British champion three-year-old Golden Horn is a worthy alternative if he is capable of overcoming a wide draw. Found and Free Eagle bid to reverse form with him after suffering defeat in the Irish Champion Stakes, and the latter is a particularly interesting each-way contender after getting knocked sideways by John Gosden's Derby hero at Leopardstown. French Derby winner New Bay has hardly put a foot wrong all year and makes plenty of appeal for a handler who is bidding for an unprecedented eighth victory in the Longchamp showpiece.
Take Cover and Caspian Prince should ensure there is no hanging around. Drying ground has ruled out Nunthorpe heroine Mecca's Angel and MUTHMIR, sixth behind Michael Dods' filly at York, gets the vote with conditions in his favour. Sole Power has been beaten in this race four times previously but commands respect after repelling the fast-finishing Maarek, who won this contest two years ago, in a thrilling renewal of the Flying Five at the Curragh. King's Stand winner Goldream is tied in with the selection on their recent Ascot and York formlines and must also enter calculations, for all he's a bit more exposed than William Haggas' charge.
DJAINKA DES FORGES arrives here on top of her game after striking at Newbury last time and is considered the most likely winner if building on that effort. Hat-trick seeker Samima is feared most, though big runs from consistent pair Loraa and Tm Thunder Struck would also come as no surprise.
LIMATO arrives on the back of spine-tingling performance in the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster - his first start over 7f. Despite concerns regarding the trip and ground on Town Moor, Henry Candy's explosive Tagula gelding could hardly have won any easier and the Commonwealth Cup second can add Group 1 success to an already attractive portfolio. Make Believe looks the main danger given he beat the subsequent French Derby winner New Bay (form may have taken a timely boost in the Arc earlier on this card) in the French 2000 Guineas here in May, and the drop back to 7f could be ideal following a lacklustre effort in the St James's Palace Stakes. Toormore arrives in good nick following his Group 2 success, and Gordon Lord Byron, winner of the race in 2012 and runner-up the last two years, is also taken seriously.
BATHYRHON should be forgiven his poor effort when well beaten in the Prix Foy on the back of a short summer break, with that being used as a prep for this. He has twice run over 2m4f, finishing second in this race last year and he was beaten just over two lengths when fifth in the Ascot Gold Cup earlier this term. This renewal doesn't look up to the standard of previous runnings and a repeat of either of those aforementioned runs would see him go close. Clondaw Warrior and Fun Mac are closely matched on their Royal Ascot form, while Ebor winner Litigant has earned plenty of respect. Walzertakt has a verdict over Bathyrhon this season but he needs to prove his liking for this distance.
HAILSTORM was a close third behind the reopposing Alleaza at Deauville, but meets her conqueror on more favourable terms here and a reversal of that form could be on the cards. Si Luna is consistent and looks a leading contender too.
