A first major test for older milers

Saint-Cloud hosts a quality meeting on Sunday, with the ground expected to be good to soft.

Some of the best older milers will line up in the Prix Edmond Blanc (Group 3), where three-time defending trainer André Fabre will saddle Narkez, recently fourth in the Prix Altipan (Listed). The Altipan form will be strongly represented, as its winner Silius, along with Instant Fragile and Trust On, who finished first, second and sixth respectively, are also set to run. One of the attractions of the race is the English runner Skukuza, third in last year’s Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Group 2). He returns to France after making his seasonal reappearance in Doha last month. Among the foreign contenders is also Sparks Fly, who has not been seen since 26 October, when she won the Prix Perth (Group 3) over this course. Saint-Cloud suits this British mare particularly well, as she has already recorded four black-type victories here.

Nine stayers will contest the Prix Right Royal (Listed). Christophe Ferland will saddle Double Major, who carries the colours of Wertheimer & Frère. Fifth in last year’s Prix Royal Oak (Group 1), he recently finished second on his return in the Prix Béring (Class 1). That day, on Chantilly’s all-weather surface, he was beaten by Asmarani, whom he meets again here. Racing for the Aga Khan Studs, Asmarani is trained by Francis-Henri Graffard.

Three-year-olds in the spotlight
While the Prix Kashmir II and Prix Praline are reserved for newcomers, the Prix Comrade (Class 2) will feature more experienced runners. Now run over 1,400 metres, the race includes Real News and Imperior, both entered in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Group 1).