Another great Sunday ahead at ParisLongchamp
Another great Sunday ahead at ParisLongchamp
This Sunday, ParisLongchamp racecourse will once again be the stage for a high-class afternoon, built around two Group 3 races and three Listed events, with the highlight being La Coupe (Group 3), scheduled for 3:50pm.
Run over 2,000 metres, La Coupe brings together experienced horses proven on the European circuit, capable of shining both in France and on the international scene. Among them is Goliath (Adlerflug), a top-class contender. Absent from French tracks since his victory in the Prix du Conseil de Paris (Group 2) in October 2024 on this very course, he subsequently took on the global stage, with ambitious attempts in the Japan Cup (Group 1) and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1) in Hong Kong.
Now back at ParisLongchamp, he will aim to assert his dominance against a strong field, led in particular by Iresine (Manduro). Trained by Jean-Pierre Gauvin, Iresine made a winning seasonal debut in Lyon, not far from his Chazey-sur-Ain base, proving he has retained all his ability after a well-deserved winter break following some misfortune in the Hong Kong Vase (Group 1). A dual Group 1 winner, having taken the Prix Royal Oak and the Prix Ganay, Iresine remains one of the top French middle-distance performers over 2,100 metres and well beyond. A clash with Goliath is eagerly awaited!
Spotlight on the 3-year-olds
The 2025 renewal of the Prix Paul de Moussac (Group 3) promises to be especially competitive, featuring four colts who took part in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Group 1): Houquetot (Wootton Bassett), Dos Mukasan (Golden Horde), Sélénien (Mehmas), and Reach the Sky (Calyx). Dropping down in class, these four runners will be looking to bounce back in less demanding company, where—while the opposition remains solid—it appears more within reach than that encountered in the “Poule”.
Among the other runners are several up-and-coming prospects, including Burhan (Siyouni), who left a strong visual impression last time out, and Polyvega (Lope de Vega), the only filly in the field, who will be trying 1,400 metres for the first time. Another intriguing storyline: Silius (Dubawi) and Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) face off again after finishing first and second in the Prix Djebel (Group 3) back in April at Deauville.
As a recognised stepping-stone to the Prix Jean Prat (Group 1), the Prix Paul de Moussac may well reveal a serious contender ahead of the major Deauville meeting on 6 July.
Before these two main events, Sunday’s card will kick off with a trio of Listed races restricted to 3-year-olds: the Prix Ridgway, the Prix Mélisande, and the Prix Volterra. For some participants still in the making, these will be maiden black type attempts, while others will aim to confirm the promise already shown at previous outings.