ParisLongchamp introduces a new Group 1

ParisLongchamp introduces a new Group 1

ParisLongchamp will play host to a new Group 1 race: the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, which has been promoted to the highest level this year. Until now, France had only two Group 1s for stayers—the Qatar Prix du Cadran and the Prix Royal-Oak—both held in the autumn, three weeks apart. Now the calendar adds the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier. Some of Europe’s best stayers are expected on track, including France’s own Double Major (Daiwa Major). Winner of the last two runnings of the Prix Royal-Oak, he was runner-up in the Dubai Gold Cup (Gr2) at Meydan. He will take on the horse who beat him there: Dubai Future (Dubawi), trained by Saeed bin Suroor for Godolphin, who also sends out Passion and Glory (Cape Cross).

Representing the Aga Khan, Candelari (Frankel) remains lightly raced, but her third place in the Prix de Barbeville (Gr3) was a strong effort. Also trained in the UK, Trueshan (Planteur) makes his seasonal debut. A dual winner of the Prix du Cadran, he’s proven over the Longchamp track. Présage Nocturne (Wootton Bassett) took a significant step forward when landing the Prix de Barbeville, the traditional prep for this Group 1. Another to watch is Sevenna’s Knight (Camelot), a solid stayer who finished fifth in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr1).

Sosie keeps the momentum

Sunday promises to be a stellar day of racing at ParisLongchamp. Alongside the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, the hybrid-distance Prix d’Ispahan is also on the card. This race brings together extended milers and shortened-up stayers. Supplemented for the race, Sosie (Sea the Stars) made a winning return in the Prix Ganay (Gr1) and will be the star attraction. His opponents include triple Group 3 mile winner Alcantor (Newbay), consistent Group-level performer Horizon Doré (Dabirsim), and the progressive British runner Sardinian Warrior (Saxon Warrior), who arrives on a four-race winning streak.

Stars align in the Prix du Palais Royal

Also featured on Sunday is the Group 3 Prix du Palais Royal, run over 1,400m and featuring a top-class field of specialists. Headlining is Sajir (Make Believe), a Group 3 winner over 1,200m in the UK, along with prep winner Jasna’s Secret (Galiway) and Exxtra (Starspangledbanner). Adding international flair is Meydan hero King Gold (Anodin), a previous Group 3 winner over this course, Beauvatier (Lope de Vega), a classy performer, and Topgear (Wootton Bassett), a reliable contender at this level.

Also lining up is the English raider Lake Forest (No Nay Never), winner of the Golden Eagle (Gr1) ahead of France’s Lazzat in Australia, and runner-up in the Commonwealth Cup (Gr1). He’ll be a major player!