Lys Preview: Going to the Grand Prix

The Lys (Gr3) is 2yo colts and geldings race run over 1m4f. It traditionally takes place at the end of May and launches the campaign which leads to the Bastille day great race on July 14, the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1), via the Hocquart Longines (Gr2), which is for its part scheduled this Summer on August 8 in Deauville instead of mid-June in Chantilly.

The Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris is scheduled to take place this year on September 13, three weeks before the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Gr1).

The Lys-Grand Prix double was achieved in recent years by Montmartre in 2008, Flintshire in 2013 and Erupt in 2015. Neufbosc finished second in the Grand Prix after winning the Lys in 2018.

• 1. MODERATOR (g3, FRA by Rio de la Plata and Monarquia, by Danehill Dancer) Rating: 95lbs

Trained in Provence, bred by his owner, this gelding finished fourth for his debut in May at Marseille-Borély, then surely won at Salon-de-Provence over 1m4f and confirmed in a class 1 race recently over 1m2f.

• 2. KETIL (c3, USA by Karakontie and Matroshka, by Red Ransom) Rating: 98lbs

Trained in Chantilly, bred by his owner, he was impressive for his victorious debut over the mile at 2, then disappointing in a Listed race, and ended his season by winning again on the all-weather in a class 2 race.

Long-awaited for his return this year, over 10.5f at Chantilly, he could not do keep up with subsequent French Derby flop Hurricane Dream, undefeated then. However, Ketil still beat Dawn Intello that day, and the latter eventually finished 4th in the Jockey Club. Ketil has never run over 1m4f before.

• 3. VOLKAN STAR (g3, IRE by Sea the Stars and Chicago Dancer, by Azamour) Rating: 106lbs

Trained in England, bought a million pounds at the Newmarket sales, gelded at the end of last year, he had just failed in the Zetland Stakes (Gr3), over 1m2f, after winning his first race over the mile. For his return, he finished second at four lengths behind Mishriff, since crowned an outstanding Jockey Club (Gr1) winner and went on to win nicely a Listed race. He has never run over this distance, but his family produced horses who succeeded at the best level over 1m4f.

• 4. MEASURE OF TIME (c3, IRE by Gleneagles and Inch Perfect, by Theatrical) Rating: -

Trained in Chantilly, bought £80,000 in England, he just won for his debut in November at Fontainebleau over 9 furlongs. For his comeback this year, however, he won by three and a half lengths over 1m4f at Clairefontaine and looks like a promising prospect.