A Royal Line-Up for the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris

The sporting highlight of the evening is the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris (Group 1), due off at 8.15pm. A high-class field has been assembled, with three French colts taking on two Irish and two British challengers.

The home team will rely on the unbeaten Varandir, who steps up to the highest level after three consecutive victories, Alam, an excellent fifth in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (Group 1), and Space Waltz, winner of the Prix du Lys Longines (Group 3), the key trial for the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris.

Representing Ireland, Aidan O’Brien saddles Causeway, winner of the King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot, while his son Joseph will be represented by Limestone, successful in the Queen’s Vase (Group 2) at the same meeting. However, the main threat may come from Britain, courtesy of Maltese Cross, runner-up in the Epsom Derby (Group 1), and Ancient Egypt (Frankel), who finished second to Causeway at Ascot.

Two further Group races will feature on the evening’s card. The Cygames Prix de Malleret (Group 2), at 7.37pm, brings together five three-year-old fillies, including Pink Panthera, an outstanding second in the Prix de Diane Longines (Group 1), and the unbeaten Behrayna, an easy winner of the Prix de Royaumont (Group 3).

The Cygames Prix Maurice de Nieuil, at 8.50pm, will see six stayers line up, including Double Major, third in this race last year, and the admirable Barbate, who arrives on the back of four consecutive victories and deservedly steps up in class.