A great Saturday at ParisLongchamp racecourse
Saturday’s card, the perfect prelude to Sunday’s royal Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, promises to be truly spectacular. Discover the champions race by race with our quick guide.
Coltrane — is it finally his time?
The Cadran, the ultimate stayers’ test, nearly turned into a fiasco with only three initial entries. Eight will line up in the end. At the head of the field: Coltrane, the 8-year-old veteran who finished third last year behind Kyprios and Trueshan, the departed rulers of the division. This time, the path looks clear for a first Group 1. Lining up against him: Caballo de Mar, Sunway, and Queenstown. France will rely on two late additions, Sacred Spirit and Coetzee.
Latakia, the favourite under pressure
Since the race switched to 2,800 metres in 2019, no French-trained filly has won. Latakia, representing Juddmonte, could break the curse. An easy winner of the Prix Alec Head, she takes on Bedtime Story, consistent at the top level, and Survie, still chasing her big success. Indalimos, Consent and Santorini Star bring extra spice to an already exceptionally deep line-up.
Rising stars: Chaudenay and Dollar
The Chaudenay kicks things off. Ten years after Vazirabad, who became a staying star, who will emerge this time? Tennessee Stud, Surabad, Espoir Avenir — three names for a race that breathes the future.
In the Dollar, a springboard to the highest level, the 3-year-old colts Damysus and Bay City Roller lead the way. Alongside them, First Look, unbeaten since being gelded. A race once won by Cirrus des Aigles and Allez France — no less.
A Sussex winner in the Wildenstein
Headline news: for the first time, a Sussex Stakes winner will run in the Daniel Wildenstein. Quirat, a flamboyant outsider, takes on Quddwah, Alcantor and Dreamliner. Expect a lightning-fast mile.
Purebred Arabians to close the show
Thirteen fillies face off in the Qatar Arabian Trophy. Hajmah, the Chantilly heroine against the colts, is the one to fear. But Bianca de Ghazal, Lacaro du Croate, Chdia and Wala’a won’t be there just to make up the numbers.