A Sunday Full of Promise at ParisLongchamp

A Sunday Full of Promise at ParisLongchamp

Three prestigious Group races (the highest level of horse racing) are on the card this Sunday at ParisLongchamp, for a second prep day that will shine a spotlight on the younger generation.

Spotlight on the 3-Year-Olds

Among the highlights of the meeting, the Prix de Fontainebleau (Group 3), run over 1,600 metres at 3:50 PM, promises to be thrilling. This race could well reveal the future stars of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club or the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Group 1s). Three exciting colts, all trained in Chantilly by up-and-coming trainers, will be putting their reputations on the line: Misunderstood (trained by Mario Baratti), Madero (Christopher Head), and Darius Cen (whose sister is Victoria Head). Who will prove worthy of advancing to the big spring prizes at ParisLongchamp and Chantilly in May and June? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Among the fillies, the Prix de la Grotte (Group 3), scheduled for 4:25 PM, will take centre stage. All eyes will be on Zarigana (Francis-Henri Graffard), who dazzled last year on debut in the now-legendary silks of the late Aga Khan. Her return to the track is eagerly awaited.

Following in the Footsteps of the Greats

The Prix Noailles (Group 3), a stamina-testing contest run over 2,100 metres, also looks wide open. Tito Mo Cen (Victoria Head) and Uther (Christophe Ferland) will be among the key contenders. Both colts will aim to follow in the footsteps of Calandagan, who won this race in 2023 before shining at Royal Ascot (UK), and Junko, who triumphed in the Prix Noailles before enjoying a stellar career both in France and internationally, crowned by multiple Group 1 victories.