Djebel and Imprudence, classics at stake

The Prix Djebel (Gr3) and Prix Imprudence (Gr3) are two of the most important preparatory races for the first classics of the European season, The Emirates Poules d’Essai (Gr1) at ParisLongchamp and the Guineas (Gr1) at Newmarket. Both are run on the 7 furlongs straight trip, Wednesday at Maisons-Laffitte.

In the fillies’ race, the Prix Imprudence, five of the seven competitors will race for the first time this season. All, however, ran several times last year and none is undefeated. Only one won at Group level, Devant (Showcasing), a winner on this same course of the Prix Miesque (Gr3), at the end of October, for Team Valor International. The filly was bought back € 740,000 last December at Arqana after this high-level success.

In the Colts’ Prix Djebel (Gr3), they are also seven at the start and all are returning to succeed Al Wukair and Dice Roll, the last two winners. Only one colt is undefeated, namely Harmless (Anodin), who won the Prix Roland de Chambure (L) in his third and last race on July 14 last year. Third, in the Criterium International (Gr1), Graignes (Zoffany) is also taking part. Amilcar (Wootton Bassett) won the Prix Herod (L). But the most experienced is undoubtedly the English raider Marie's Diamond (Footsepsinthesand), winner of a Group 3 last year in Ireland, second of the Richmond Stakes (Gr2) at Goodwood then unplaced in the Breeders'Cup Juvenile Turf (Gr1) in the USA for trainer Mark Johnston.

Also of interest is the return of the talented Mer et Nuages (Lope de Vega), unbeaten in three races last season but out since May. He's in the Prix Jacques Laffitte (L) and trained by André Fabre for Godolphin.