Prix Ganay kicks off Group 1 program

Monday 1st May, Saint-Cloud racecourse. - Two major events are scheduled for Monday, May 1st at Saint-Cloud, with the Prix Ganay (Gr1), the first Group 1 event of the season in Europe, heading the billboard. On Thursday morning, 24 hours away from final declarations, eight horses were still in. Cloth of Stars (Sea The Stars), unbeaten in two starts this year for Godolphin, including in the Prix d'Harcourt (Gr2), the traditional prep race for the Prix Ganay. Zarak (Dubawi), 4th in the Dubai Turf (Gr1) in Dubai this winter, Hawkbill (Kitten's Joy), winner of the important Eclipse Stakes (Gr1) last year ahead of the French 2,000 Guineas winner The Gurkha, or Silverwave (Silver Frost), second in the 2016 Ganay, and the Erupt (Dubawi), winner of the 2015 Juddmonte Grand Prix of Paris (Gr1) still remain.
The Prix du Muguet (Gr2) is a traditional Labor Day event at Saint-Cloud, whereas the Ganay is held there until Longchamp reopens next season. The Muguet also brings together aged horses but over the mile. Trainer André Fabre and Godolphin team hold two prominent entries in the race: Jimmy Two Times (Kendargent), an impressive Prix Edmond Blanc (Gr3) winner, changed hands afterwards from Haras de Saint-Pair to Godolphin, and Usherette (Shamardal), one of the best female milers last year.