Hocquart Longines : a little strait towards the Grand Prix
Photo Kasaman winning the Prix Nasrullah: scoopdyga.com
The Prix Hocquart Longines (Gr2) is an alternative route to the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1), which is also run over 1m4f but at ParisLongchamp. Five runners were confirmed this year and none at this stage can really stand out.
The Aga Khan-bred Kasaman (Charm Spirit) was beaten for his debut at 2, winning for his return over 1m2f, two months ago, and has not been seen in action since. The form of the race didn't clearly improve but it didn't fall either.
San Huberto (Speightstown) won twice in a row and could show some more progress here again. Soft Light (Authorized) is out for two months, his second place in the Prix de l'Avre (L) over this distance. He beat Khagan (Le Havre) that day and finds him again here. Khagan, trained by Ande Fabre for Godolphin, finished second in the Prix du Lys (Gr3) since then, more than two lengths behind the successful German raider Quest the Moon.
Godolphin also sends over Al Hilalee (Dubawi) from England, where he finished 16th for his return in the Two Thousand Guineas (Gr1) and third on the same course in a 10 furlongs Listed-event.