With honours roughly even in recent times between the French and the visitors, she presents a major obstacle to the home defence which has been successful in only three of the last seven editions. Al Wasmiyah Racing's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Juddmonte's G3 Prix Penelope winner Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) have favourable low draws and spearhead a four-strong assault from the Andre Fabre stable. The former, who was fourth in the G1 1000 Guineas, moves up in trip but there is ample stamina on the dam's side which features the high-class Pride (Fr) (Peintre Celebre) while Agave boasts Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) as a relation. She had looked potentially special until meeting her nemesis in Saint-Cloud's G2 Prix Greffulhe and, while she was undone by Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in that May 8 contest typically used as a Derby prep, time may prove that she faced a tough task against that colt.

Join The Ride

Alongside Zellie and Agave, Andre Fabre also has Al Shaqab Racing and Ballylinch Stud's G3 Prix Cleopatre winner Place du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and the Wertheimers' impressive May 29 ParisLongchamp conditions winner Babala (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). Place du Carrousel's form has a line to the Oaks via the Cleopatre third Kawida (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}) and, if taken literally, that leaves her with something to find with Nashwa but Fabre is a master of the targeted slow-build and she is unlikely to have been too close to a peak on that occasion. Subsequently second to Above the Curve (American Pharoah) when asked the impossible in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary at ParisLongchamp May 29, she has a draw in eight which is on the verge of acceptable and provided she isn't positioned too far back by Mickael Barzalona will be making her presence felt late.

Doleuze's Dream Girl

Team Valor International's relentless pursuit of Classic glory continues apace on Sunday with the filly owned in partnership with Marco Saviozzi, Nadette (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}). She had Jean-Claude Rouget's chief Diane hope Yukata (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) back in third, with the highly-regarded Juddmonte-Fabre project Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}) further behind, in the nine-furlong Listed Prix Finlande at ParisLongchamp May 19.

“She's in full bloom,” commented trainer Romain Le Dren Doleuze, the son of Georges Doleuze who won this on Dunette (Fr) (Hard to Beat {Ire}) in 1979 and brother of Olivier who also captured it on Egyptband (Dixieland Band) in the millennium year. “We let her develop in her own time as a 2-year-old by allowing her to grow into her frame during the winter. Now we're reaping the rewards.”

Daisy, Give Me Your Answer Do

Gitte Poulsen-Allaire gets the chance to have her colours carried in a Classic by a genuine contender in Daisy Maisy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who was behind the re-opposing Times Square (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and Rosacea (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) when fifth in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp May 15. The wife of the prominent trotting figure Philippe Allaire, her filly was also second in the G3 Prix de la Grotte there Apr. 17. Trainer Yann Barberot said, “She will be my first runner in such a prestigious race and I'm really happy. It's a challenge with a fun element and I think that the longer distance should suit her. If the thunderstorms materialise and the ground eases, it won't be a problem. Her breeder, Thierry de la Héronnière, came to see her and he concluded that she has done very welĺ physically. A gorgeous type, she almost looks like a colt. The Allaire colours are going great guns, as they again made their mark in group contests [for trotters] at Vincennes last Saturday. I hope that the filly won't embarrass them.”

Key Support

In the supporting races, there are a pair of bluebloods fit to grace the day in The Aga Khan's 'TDN Rising Star' Erevann (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the Wertheimers' Goldistyle (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The former, who was labelled a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut at Deauville in October, beat the subsequent Listed Prix Ridgway winner Haya Zark (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) in a conditions event over this trip at Saint-Cloud Mar. 29 and meets Godolphin's May 15 G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains third Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}) in the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac Longines over a mile. Goldistyle, a daughter of Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa), tackles the G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil Longines having looked more than ready for the challenge when taking the May 15 Listed Prix Maurice Zilber. In the G3 Prix du Bois Longines, Scuderia Semeso and Sebastiano Guerrieri's impressive May 22 Listed Premio Alessandro Perrone winner New Collection (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}) flies the flag for the Italian juveniles. The G3 Prix du Lys Longines, a warm-up for the G1 Grand Prix de Paris, sees the May 1 Listed Prix de l'Avre winner Martel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) represent the Wertheimer-Fabre link.

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Careful Tending

It was once said by Jim Joel that the late Sir Henry Cecil was “a man with green fingers for horses”, and it is that gentle and nurturing approach that has been adopted by John Gosden as patience was called for throughout recent weeks. “Inspiral was very slow coming to hand this year–it can happen to some fillies hormonally in the Spring,” he told QIPCO British Champions Series. “She had a tough Spring. You don't want to be forcing them and she was like a little bud that stayed tight, but we are very hopeful we'll get her there in good order. We are beginning to see the filly of last year again, so hopefully she'll put in a big performance. It will be great to have her back and her form from last year has looked great this year.”

Established Prestige

Highclere Thoroughbred's landmark Classic winner Cachet is undeniably at the forefront and the fact that she was just undone by Mangoustine (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp a fortnight after her Newmarket exploits only serves to enhance her reputation. She did not go fast enough there and James Doyle will be keen to revive the aggressive tactics that worked so emphatically at her beloved Newmarket from his draw in nine. That should set up a tactically straightforward affair, with her old rival Prosperous Voyage also sure to go forward from stall 12 to ensure a hot pace. With Inspiral absent from the Guineas, Cachet has to prove that she owns the crown and it was not merely leased but trainer George Boughey the filly with the admirable work ethic to shine again. “I think her work has stepped forward again and she looks stronger,” he told QIPCO British Champions Series. “She was coming back at the end at Longchamp and I slightly blame myself. We were drawn wide and I didn't want to blow her in front, so told James to crawl round if he could and turn it into a sprint. I'm very confident she stays a mile well and so we'll possibly look to make plenty of use of her. The weather looks set fair for fast ground, which her best form is on.”

A Diverse Cast

Under the Brit A-listers Inspiral and Cachet, there are key protagonists from France, Ireland and the States in what constitutes a fully stocked flowerbed for the mile championship for the 3-year-old fillies. Next to each other in seven and eight are the US duo Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and Spendarella (Karakontie {Jpn}) and, with their contrasting racing styles, it will be fascinating to see where they are positioned by Jose Ortiz and William Buick respectively. Spenderella likes to force it, as she proved when winning the GII Appalachian S. at Keeneland Apr. 9, while Pizza Bianca uses her power late. Spenderella's trainer Graham Motion told QIPCO British Champions Series, “We feel she really belongs. I don't want to compare her with the other fillies I have brought, because they were really good fillies in their own right. She is obviously less-campaigned than they were and she hasn't run against the likes of these horses, but she really hasn't done anything wrong.” A fast pace will also set it up for 'TDN Rising Star' and G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Tenebrism (Caravaggio), the daughter of the 2011 Coronation heroine Immortal Verse (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), who could prove that her eighth in the Guineas was all wrong.

Celebrating The Commonwealth

Tenebrism would have been a major player in the G1 Commonwealth Cup, which looks a wide-open affair as it enters its eighth year. Now firmly fixed in the Royal Ascot schedule and the international racing calendar, the only question is “why did it take so long to be established?” Last year's G2 Norfolk S. winner Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), who went on to capture the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S., is back in his comfort zone after a valiant try at the 2000 Guineas and there are no weak spots where he is concerned over this stiff six. It is notable that in Newbury's seven-furlong G3 Greenham S. Apr. 16, he readily beat Lusail (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) who has since taken off and almost won Tuesday's G1 St James's Palace S. El Caballo (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) is a genuine contender, with his winning streak culminating in Haydock's G2 Sandy Lane S. May 21 where he had several of these behind. Shadwell's 'TDN Rising Star' Ehraz (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) gives the impression he is building towards something special, while Ger Lyons is hoping that his luckless streak with raiders here can come to an end via Juddmonte's talented G3 Round Tower S. winner Sacred Bridge (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}).

An Albany To Savour

Friday's card gets underway with a fascinating G3 Albany S., where a pair of 'TDN Rising Stars' in Godolphin's Mawj (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) and Amo Racing's Queen Olly (Ire) (No Nay Never) take on Ballydoyle's May 15 G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint S. scorer Meditate (Ire) (No Nay Never). Mawj, a half-sister to Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), was a scarcely-believable 4 3/4-length debut winner from a subsequent scorer at Newmarket May 14 given her pedigree and normal progress will make her hard to beat. Queen Olly also impressed at York May 12 and looks to give Amo Racing that first Royal Ascot winner. In the G2 King Edward VII S., Changingoftheguard (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) represents the Derby form and he was an admirable fifth in Epsom's June 4 Blue Riband, especially as he probably raced too hard early and paid for it in the straight.

Diane Attracts 18

Ensuring there was no repeat of the Prix du Jockey Club double-draw farce, an independent bailiff was on hand to oversee Thursday morning's presentation for the 173rd edition of Chantilly's G1 Prix de Diane Longines. Proceedings concluded without hitch, with the overnight pre-confirmations all standing their ground and a final field of 18 is set to head postward for Sunday's €1-million 10 1/2-furlong Classic, turfdom's very own Competition of Elegance. Imad Al Sagar's Oaks third and 'TDN Rising Star' Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) fared well in stall two, to the outside of Juddmonte's G2 Prix Greffulhe runner-up Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) on the fence. Last term's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine and this year's 1000 Guineas fourth Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was also drawn favourably in five, while the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches third, fourth and fifth Times Square (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Rosacea (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) and Daisy Maisy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) are worse off in stall nine, 17 and 11, respectively. Last month's G1 Prix Saint-Alary second and third, Place du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Queen Trezy (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), are drawn alongside each other in stalls eight and seven while Ballydoyle's Toy (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) has been allocated post 16.

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Will Danehill's Record Fall?

Aidan O'Brien tends to win mile Classics with stouter-bred individuals, which brings in Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) but there is a feeling that the reality of winning a 1000 Guineas will be too much too soon as she builds experience ahead of an Oaks tilt. The Naas maiden winner shaped as the better filly when second to Discoveries (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) on her sole juvenile start and if she has made the leap she will be providing Galileo with the world record of stakes winners. This would be a stage fitting for such a landmark, and Ballydoyle's go-to rider Frankie Dettori only adds to the equation. “We are happy with where she is, as we didn't think we would be in this position with her four weeks ago,” the Ballydoyle handler admitted recently.

Setting The Scene

In an edition dominated by Irish and French-trained fillies, it looks a tall order for the home team to arrest the overseas momentum. The top-rated quartet among them are the quartet who chased home Inspiral in the course-and-distance G1 Fillies' Mile in October, and while Prosperous Voyage (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), 'TDN Rising Star' Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}), Mise En Scene (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Wild Beauty (GB) (Frankel {GB}) are all solid proposals here they all have something to find. Mise En Scene provides James Ferguson with a first Classic runner and he is understandably hopeful that the Qatar Racing and Racehorse Club-owned G3 Prestige S. winner could be at least a bit player in this play. “I honestly think it is the most open 1000 Guineas I can remember,” he said. “It is wonderful to have a filly this good and she deserves to be the shortest-priced British runner. The fact she has got stamina in her pedigree will help her.”

Guineas Set For Frexit?

This is a big year for Francis-Henri Graffard, who has been handed the golden opportunity of taking over the famous Aiglemont stables, and in Everest Racing, Barbara Keller and David Redvers's Malavath (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) he has a strong chance of making waves in this important monument. Building slowly to a crescendo last term, she went from a soft-ground win in the six-furlong G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte at Chantilly in October to a barnstorming finish when second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on a firm surface over this trip at Del Mar the following month. She put her compatriot Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in her place in the Apr. 7 G3 Prix Imprudence at Deauville, which during the 1980s was the launchpad used by Criquette Head for her Guineas heroines Ma Biche and Ravinella and by François Boutin for the great Miesque. “I couldn't have her in better form,” Graffard said. “She came on a lot from her seasonal debut and she's very well. When it comes to the ground, she's a very versatile filly and hopefully she is good enough for a race like this.”

The Supporting Cast

There is abundant intrigue away from the Guineas, with ParisLongchamp staging the G1 Prix Ganay where the G2 Prix d'Harcourt one-two-three Skalleti (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), Sealiway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) and Mare Australis (Ire) (Australia {GB}) re-oppose. Sir Michael Stoute, a master in races like the G2 Betfair Exchange Dahlia S., looks to Chris Humber and Hunscote Stud's G3 Pride S. winner Ville de Grace (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}) to provide him with a seventh renewal of Newmarket's nine-furlong test. In Germany, the G3 Bavarian Classic at Munich sees the latest potential Gestut Schlenderhan star step forward in the impressive Dusseldorf scorer So Moonstruck (Ger) (Sea the Moon {Ger}); while John and Thady Gosden who appear to have several Oaks hopefuls and saddle Juddmonte's Crenelle (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in the 10-furlong Listed Pretty Polly S. on the Guineas undercard.

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Zellie's opponents include Everest Racing, David Redvers and Barbara Keller's G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf runner-up Malavath (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani's  'TDN Rising Star' Osmose (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}), who has a mighty step up to make but is an unexposed Rouget representative. Enough said.

While the G3 Prix Djebel lacks the clout of the Imprudence, Team Calas's unbeaten Rock Boy (Fr) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}) comes away from the provinces to test his mettle against hardened colts with sights set on the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.

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Impressive in this ground when winning the seven-furlong Listed Prix Roland de Chambure at Deauville July 11, Al Wasmiyah Farm's acquisition was second to Oscula (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}) in the Aug. 3 G3 Prix Six Perfections over that same track and trip and to Fleur D'Iris (GB) (Shamardal) in the G3 Prix d'Aumale over this course and distance Sept. 9. Held up in rear early by Oisin Murphy, the 4-1 shot was sent up the inner to pass all rivals in the straight and overhaul Times Square 100 metres from the line en route to a 1 3/4-length success, with Oscula three lengths away in third. “She is a nice, uncomplicated filly who has been so consistent,” commented Fabre, whose juggling act here resulted in a second Marcel Boussac and first since 1995. “She is finished for the season and I don't think she'll go much further than a mile. It'll be either the 1000 Guineas or the Pouliches.”

Zellie, who was campaigned in the colours of Fabre's daughter Lavinia until being sold to Qatar's Ali Hamad Al Attiya prior to the Six Perfections, had also shown an aptitude for heavy going when off the mark over six furlongs on debut at Saint-Cloud May 18 but is no one-trick pony. Following up on good ground back there on her second start over seven June 8, the bay was on good-to-soft when charging late in the Prix d'Aumale and is just an admirably versatile and honest performer with the touch of class necessary to lift a prize such as this. As fellow Fabre runner and 11-5 favourite Fleur D'Iris and the G3 Silver Flash S. and G2 Debutante S. winner Agartha (Ire) (Caravaggio) caved in having animated the race from the outset, it was a case of who had the strength in the finale and the winner lacks for nothing in that department.

Oisin Murphy said, “She prefers good ground, but has enough class to cope with this ground on the day. She is trained by an extraordinary man. Thank you very much to the owners and to Mr Fabre for the confidence placed in me. She is a beautiful, easy-to-ride filly and she has a big heart. She is a dream ride for a jockey!”

Times Square's trainer Christophe Ferland said of the runner-up, “She is a nice filly who has been very difficult to train. She has a lot of temperament and is not easy to be around, so my team have done a great job working with her. She worked very nicely 10 days ago and although the odds said we had no chance, I believed. She was beaten by a better horse on the day, but at least we have a nice filly for next season.”

Emulating the career-best success of her burgeoning sire presence, whose big day came in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on this card on the same ground in 2010, Zellie is the second foal and first runner out of Sarai (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) who is kin to three stakes winners. They are headed by Speciosa (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), who won a soft-ground G1 1000 Guineas as well as the G2 Rockfel S. and G3 Nell Gwyn S., and include the GIII Stars and Stripes Breeders' Cup Turf H. scorer Major Rhythm (Rhythm). Two of the less-accomplished half-siblings Bold Classic (Pembroke) and Gadfly (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) are responsible for the G1 Irish Derby third Festive Cheer (Fr) (Montjeu {Ire}) and this year's G3 Prestige S. winner Mise En Scene (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) respectively.

The third dam is the listed-winning Specificity (Alleged), who produced the G1 Champion S., G1 Hong Kong Cup and G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud heroine Pride (Fr) (Peintre Celebre) who was also second in the 2006 G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. She is the dam of the G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly winner One Foot In Heaven (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and the dual group-placed Queen (Fr) (Kingman {GB}). Pride's half-sister Fate (Fr) (Teofilo {Ire}) captured the G3 Prix de Flore and was third in the G1 Prix Ganay, while this is also the family of the G1 St Leger hero Touching Wood (Roberto). Sarai's son of Dabirsim (Fr) was a €95,000 purchase by Paul Nataf at the recent Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale.

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France
QATAR PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC – CRITERIUM DES POULICHES-G1, €400,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-3, 2yo, 8fT, 1:42.67, hy.
1–ZELLIE (FR), 123, f, 2, by Wootton Bassett (GB)
1st Dam: Sarai (GB), by Nathaniel (Ire)
2nd Dam: Specifically, by Sky Classic
3rd Dam: Specificity, by Alleged
1ST GROUP WIN; 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€140,000 Wlg '19 ARQDEC; €140,000 RNA Ylg '20 ARQSEP). O-Al Wasmiyah Farm; B-Charles Barel (FR); T-Andre Fabre; J-Oisin Murphy. €228,560. Lifetime Record: 6-4-2-0, €321,060. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Times Square (Fr), 123, f, 3, Zarak (Fr)–See You Always (GB), by Siyouni (Fr). O-Allan Belshaw; B-Times of Wigan Ltd (FR); T-Christophe Ferland. €91,440.
3–Oscula (Ire), 123, f, 2, Galileo Gold (GB)–Bisous Y Besos (Ire), by Big Bad Bob (Ire). (4,000gns Ylg '20 TAOCT). O-Nick Bradley Racing 20; B-Padraig Williams (IRE); T-George Boughey. €45,720.
Margins: 1 3/4, 3, NK. Odds: 3.90, 33.00, 7.40.
Also Ran: Agartha (Ire), Who Knows (Fr), Acer Alley (GB), Fleur D'Iris (GB), Natasha (GB). Scratched: Raclette (GB). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by TVG.

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Godolphin's Hurricane Lane (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) has perhaps shown the greatest appetite for significant ease in the surface and has the stamina capacity to promote his chances, while The Aga Khan's Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal) overcame heavy ground to barnstorm the G1 Prix de l'Opera on this fixture 12 months ago. Epsom marvels Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Snowfall (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) pounded through rain-afflicted going in the first week of June, but this is the first week of October and there will be no feedback from the turf if the whole of the predicted 30-plus millimetres descends from the leaden skies.

Japan's quest to end decades of hurt depends not only on the relative skillsets of Chrono Genesis (Jpn) (Bago {Fr}) and Deep Bond (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), but also on their ability to carry themselves on going that is significantly softer than they have encountered in competitive action. Undone in all but four of the domestic middle-distance Group 1s in 2021 and with that quartet absent from this line-up, France appear to have surrendered all hope of landing the precious centennial renewal but at least their outsiders with a squeak understand how to operate on this ground. In the year that Sheikh Hamdan was lost to the racing world, it is not impossible that the talented filly Raabihah (Sea the Stars {Ire}) could provide a romantic fable in the Shadwell silks.

This ability to endure the final drag of a long season is what makes the Arc the most formidable of all racing's peaks and crests. It is the strength to make the summit which separates the legends from the almost mighty and so we go again towards the culmination of the ultimate ambition. There is very little separating what is largely viewed as the leading quartet, with Godolphin's aider and abbettor looking to add to their remarkable combined haul of Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, Grand Prix de Paris, King George and St Leger; Dermot Weld's fully-mature cruise missile seeking to implement her trainer's masterplan; and Ballydoyle's prima ballerina poised to leap in as she did when tearing up the established Group 1 script in the Oaks.

As the first representatives of Frankel to go to the Arc with leading prospects, there is a weight of expectation on the able shoulders of Adayar and Hurricane Lane and little in the way of past precedent to dampen the flames. As an awesome combination, they are Godolphin's best chance of winning this prize since the great Sakhee (Bahri) a whole 20 years ago. Hurricane Lane came alive on very soft ground when ripping up the course-and-distance Grand Prix de Paris July 14 and carried his class over the extreme Classic trip of Doncaster's G1 St Leger Sept. 11, so further easing underfoot only serves to strengthen his credentials. Adayar was so impressive when holding Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) when it was fast at Ascot July 24 that it seems almost improbable that he can translate that superiority to the other extreme, but at present he retains the freak factor his illustrious sire made his trademark.

Charlie Appleby was interviewed as he awaited the opening group race at the track on Saturday–in which he enjoyed a one-two as a welcome portent–and he admitted that a serious worsening of the ground may swing the balance in Hurricane Lane's favour. “Both Frankie and James said it's holding ground, so we'll just have to see how things play out,” he said. “They're predicting up to 40 millimetres of rain. If that arrives on top of opened-up ground, whether you can find a fresh strip or not it'll be heavy, there's no doubt about it. The only horse I would say will probably like it is Hurricane Lane. He will like soft ground and it's going to become a staying race, isn't it? We know the soft ground is going to suit him and we know if it becomes a stamina-sapping Arc, he has already proven he has stamina in abundance. It's a double positive for him.”

“Adayar is in great order and we've seen him win on good-to-soft and he won his maiden last year on soft, but obviously that was not the same level. We are certainly happier being on soft rather than quick ground going into an Arc, but if it got heavy it wouldn't be a positive for him.”

As is the case with many of The Aga Khan's products, Tarnawa gets ample stamina from her distaff side and showed that deep ground does not blunt her finishing surge as it can lesser lights in the Opera 12 months ago. Her ostentatious comeback over this trip came on yielding-to-soft in the G3 Ballyroan S. at Leopardstown Aug. 5, but there is a chance that a severe stamina test in this echelon may stretch the elastic of a daughter of Shamardal beyond its capacity. Christophe Soumillon has ample time to work out his closing act from an ideal inner draw and then it will be in the lap of the gods up ParisLongchamp's home straight. If she manages to carve out an Arc win on demanding turf just three weeks after virtually matching the sprint of St Mark's Basilica (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) on quick going in the G1 Irish Champion S., she will deserve every plaudit available.

“Tarnawa is very well and I'm satisfied with her in every possible way,” trainer Dermot Weld said. “Her preparation has gone very well. She takes her training very well and it's been very straightforward since Leopardstown. She's a very fit filly and I've been very happy with her.”

While the Arc used to be about the 3-year-old colts, the earth spun on its axis in 2008 with the arrival of Zarkava (Ire) (Zamindar) and the equally effervescent Snowfall bids to become the fourth of that age and sex to prevail subsequently. Remarkably, since 2011 there have been seven renewals won by fillies and that is in keeping with the general momentum shift away from the opposite sex. Whether Snowfall would have beaten Adayar at Epsom a day later is a matter of conjecture, but the manner of her 16-length victory in one of Europe's oldest Classics defies belief. After following the plan in the July 17 G1 Irish Oaks at The Curragh and the Aug. 19 G1 Yorkshire Oaks, she was unexpectedly undone by Teona (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) in the course-and-distance G1 Prix Vermeille Sept. 12 and her prior invulnerability disappeared overnight.

Despite the shock of that defeat, the fact remains that several of this race's heroes and heroines were coming off a similar reversal and Aidan O'Brien remains convinced that she retains the star material required. “I think she's a filly that gets a mile and a half well and acts on soft ground and on her Epsom run you could say she's better on it,” he said. “Last time was a completely different set of circumstances in a slowly-run race on quickish ground.”

There is a feeling of a second tier after that foursome, with Chrono Genesis having to prove an aptitude for easy ground and the Sept. 12 G2 Prix Foy first and second Deep Bond (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) and Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) needing to step up markedly on past form to have a serious impact. M M Stables' Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) has at least proven himself on heavy ground when winning the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot June 18 and had the withdrawn Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) behind on a sound surface when runner-up to Mishriff in the G1 Juddmonte International S. at York Aug. 18.

“I'm really looking forward to riding him and I think he'll run a really big race,” Alenquer's jockey Tom Marquand said. “Whether that is good enough to put him in the frame, I don't know, because it's one of the best Arcs of my lifetime and we won't know until the race. We've got a good gate, so fingers crossed it all goes well. He's had an interrupted prep, which wasn't ideal. He ran well at York behind Mishriff, beating the rest convincingly, but it's the Arc and it certainly won't be easy.”

The aforementioned Raabihah, who was just over four-lengths fifth in this last year, bounced back to form upped in trip again last time when beating Saturday's G1 Prix de Royallieu protagonists Joie de Soir (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and Valia (Fr) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) in the 12 1/2-furlong G2 Prix de Pomone at Deauville Aug. 22. On a line through the fourth Silence Please (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), the Jean-Claude Rouget trainee could theoretically be closer to Tarnawa now than she was when three-lengths second to her in the 2020 G1 Prix Vermeille.

Juveniles Set to Shine

Sunday's action begins with the G1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac, where Andre Fabre looks to pitch his highly-regarded 'TDN Rising Star' Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in at the deep end following two impressive wins at Deauville Aug. 8 and at Chantilly Sept. 17. She registered a four-length success from the smart colt Welwal (GB) (Shalaa {Ire}) on soft in the latter contest, but significant rain might yet lead to the withdrawal of Juddmonte's daughter of the four-times Grade I heroine Emollient (Empire Maker). Where Raclette is all promise, Scott Heider's Agartha (Ire) (Caravaggio) is a rock of experience already having dominated the G3 Silver Flash S. at Leopardstown July 22 and The Curragh's G2 Debutante S. Aug. 21 and run second to Discoveries (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) in the G1 Moyglare Stud S. back at the latter venue Sept. 12. “Agartha has had a great season, she looks ready for this longer trip and looks to set the bar for the rest of them to come up to,” trainer Joseph O'Brien said. “There is a lot of rain due, but it isn't a big concern for her. Hopefully she runs another big race.”

Andre Fabre also saddles Godolphin's Fleur D'Iris (GB) (Shamardal) and Al Wasmiyah Farm's Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who were first and second in the G3 Prix d'Aumale over this track and trip Sept. 9. The former holds the re-opposing Aug. 3 G3 Prix Six Perfections winner Oscula (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}) on the form of the G2 Prix du Calvados at Deauville Aug. 21, where they were second and third behind the G1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere-bound Accakaba (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). Godolphin's Lisa-Jane Graffard said, “Fleur d'Iris was very dominant in the trial for this race on her latest start. This is a big step up against some seasoned 2-year-old opposition, but she is in good form and won on very soft ground at Compiegne in July.”

Merry Fox Stud Limited's Acer Alley (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) beat the subsequent G3 Prix Thomas Bryon runner-up Making Moovies (Ire) (Dabirsim {Fr}) and the G3 Prix de Conde winner El Bodegon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the seven-furlong G3 Prix la Rochette here Sept. 5 and is firmly in the mix. George Strawbridge's 'TDN Rising Star' Natasha (GB) (Frankel {GB}) will find this far harder than her easy novice wins at Kempton Aug. 20 and Sandown Sept. 10, but the Gosden representative has obvious potential as a half-sister to Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).

The Wertheimers' aforementioned unbeaten filly Accakaba takes on the colts in the Lagardere, with the mile of the Marcel Boussac possibly beyond her stamina reserves at present. Al Shaqab's G1 Phoenix S. hero Ebro River (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}) has to prove he stays this seven-furlong trip, having been worn down late by Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) as Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) disappeared into the distance in the G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National S. at The Curragh Sept. 12. “I'm really looking forward to it–he's in great form,” trainer Hugo Palmer commented. “His last bit of work was good and he looked tremendous on Friday morning. He's got a nice draw. We're really excited about it.”

Marc Chan's Angel Bleu (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) has been off since winning the G2 Vintage S. at Goodwood July 27 and the easier the ground the stronger his claims according to trainer Ralph Beckett. “Angel Bleu knows more about the game than I do now,” he commented. “I think he and Ebro River have run more than the rest of the field in the Lagardere combined. I think he'll run well, particularly with this forecast. We always felt after Goodwood that the Lagardere was the right spot for him.”

Coolmore and Westerberg's Sept. 9 G3 Prix des Chenes scorer Ancient Rome (War Front) drops in trip and Andre Fabre said of him, “Seven furlongs is a bit sharp for him, but we will see how we go. He could be a prospect for the Breeders' Cup or the Group 1 [Criterium International] in Saint-Cloud.”

Charlie Appleby seems to hold the upper hand with his juvenile colts at present and sends the Sept. 10 Listed Flying Scotsman S. winner Noble Truth (Fr) (Kingman {GB}) into battle here, while Aidan O'Brien who has won this eight times in its present guise and as the Grand Criterium saddles Peter Brant, Susan Magnier and Michael Tabor's Sept. 11 G2 Champions Juvenile S. runner-up Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Appleby said of the former, “I feel that Noble Truth doesn't look out of place in this field. He is a strong galloper who can maintain it. I think we will allow him to use that gallop more this time rather than trying to take him back. He goes into this in decent shape and we are hopeful of a good performance.”

Audarya Aims at Consecutive Operas

Post-Arc, the G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines gets the ball rolling again with Alison Swinburn's GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Audarya (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) looking to supplement both that victory and last year's G1 Prix Jean Romanet. Performing up to standard when second to Love in Royal Ascot's G1 Prince of Wales's S. June 16 and to Grand Glory (GB) (Olympic Glory {Ire}) in the latest renewal of the Romanet at Deauville Aug. 22, the 5-year-old was below-par in between when fifth in Goodwood's G1 Nassau S. July 29. James Fanshawe said of Audarya, “Obviously, we'd all like better ground but she has run well on it before. She ran well there last year. Her best form is on that quick ground, but she doesn't mind the soft.”

Third behind Lady Bowthorpe (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Zeyaadah (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) in the Nassau, Joan of Arc (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is back in her comfort zone after trailing in last of seven in the G1 Prix Vermeille over a mile and a half here Sept. 12. Her defeat of Philomene (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Burgarita (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) and 'TDN Rising Star' Sibila Spain (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Prix de Diane over 10 1/2 furlongs at Chantilly June 20 puts her in prime position. “She's come out of the race well from the last day–we think a mile and a half was too far for her, so going back to a mile and a quarter we think should suit her well,” the Ballydoyle handler explained. “She likes to be ridden forward and she usually gets the trip well. The last day was a little bit of a mess, so we'll just put a line through that.”

Joan of Arc's compatriot Thundering Nights (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) adds more ballast as the winner of the G1 Pretty Polly S. at The Curragh June 27 and even though she has been upstaged on her next two starts, remains a leading player. “Thundering Nights is another filly that has had a big season for us and she was a bit below form in the Blandford S. last time, but she was carrying a penalty and the race didn't really go her way,” trainer Joseph O'Brien said. “She is better than she showed there and can hopefully show it in this. She is one that won't have too many worries if the forecast rain arrives.”

Arguably Germany's star turn on the fixture is Gestut Etzean's unbeaten Palmas (Ger) (Lord of England {Ger}), who registered a six-length success in the G1 Preis der Diana over another furlong at Dusseldorf at the start of August and at this stage is an unknown quantity.

Speed to Spare

In the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines, King Power's Winter Power (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) bids to repeat her antics in York's G1 Nunthorpe S. Aug. 20 where she had the subsequent G1 Haydock Sprint Cup hero Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal) in second and Suesa (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) in fourth. Only 10th on her next start in the G1 Flying Five at The Curragh Sept. 12, the grey will find it easier to boss this strip. “She's in good order,” trainer Tim Easterby said. “The track should suit and she should run well, fingers crossed. The ground will be okay for her and we'll see how the draw pans out, with a lot of the fancied horses drawn high.”

George Strawbridge took this with Silver Fling (The Minstrel) in 1989 and has reason to believe he can prevail again with Suesa, who came into her own when winning the G2 King George S. over this five-furlong trip at Goodwood July 30. Only fourth in the Nunthorpe, she may find the best compromise with the leaders slowed down by the ground over this distance and she is drawn near enough to Winter Power to get a tow into the closing stages. “She came back well from York and has got some freshness,” trainer Francois Rohaut said. “She worked well last week and everything is okay with her. One thing is sure–the draw is better for her than in York, because her draw there was awful for us. She is drawn 12, but I think all the good horses are drawn on the outside so it's a good number for me.”

Successful in 2019 and a neck second last term, Bearstone Stud's Glass Slippers (GB) (Dream Ahead) is back for more having finished third in Goodwood's King George and in the Flying Five. Ahead of her on the latter occasion was Clipper Logistics Group's Romantic Proposal (Ire) (Raven's Pass) and Gary Devlin's A Case of You (Ire) (Hot Streak {Ire}), who are both progressive Irish sprinters certain to be suited by the run of the race. Eddie Lynam said of Romantic Proposal, “She's in good form. She ran the best race of her career the last day, so I hope we are as lucky again and things pan out for her.”

“She has no problem with ease in the ground, but I am very concerned it's going to get heavy over there and we've got a high draw,” Lynam added. “It does make it difficult, but Mabs Cross won from that draw. Let's hope they have over-shot the amount of rain they are going to get, but all the weather forecasts look very bad and it could come up very soft. She goes on good-to-soft, summer soft. I'd just be worried if it got into a bog.”

Foret Draw Key

If there is a race on the card where the draw is vital, it is the seven-furlong G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret and Haras de Saint Pair's Pearls Galore (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) has the edge in that respect from stall five. Having proven her ability at this level when splitting No Speak Alexander (Ire) (Shalaa {Ire}) and Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) in second in the G1 Matron S. at Leopardstown Sept. 11, the Paddy Twomey-trained homebred is a strong stayer at this trip as she proved when taking the G3 Brownstown S. at Fairyhouse July 11 and the G3 Fairy Bridge S. at Tipperary Aug. 26.

Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Space Blues (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) has been aimed at this since 2018 only to miss the date and his only previous visit to this track resulted in a win in the 2020 G3 Prix de la Porte Maillot at this distance. Last year's G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest and G2 Lennox S. winner was back to winning ways in the G2 City of York S. at York last time Aug. 21 and his 10 draw is not necessarily a disadvantage given that he is a hold-up merchant. “This is a race I have been trying to get Space Blues to run in for the last three years, but unfortunately he has met with a setback on each occasion,” Charlie Appleby explained. “We have put him in bubble wrap since the City of York S. and he goes into this in great shape. He looked fantastic in his work during the week. He loves soft ground, but it's the last group race of the day and it could be a war of attrition looking at the forecast. I'm pleased with his draw in stall 10 and William Buick knows him inside out.”

If Space Blues is not entirely compromised by the draw, that is the case for The Aga Khan's Sagamiyra (Fr) (Sea the Moon {Ger}) who has only one rival on her outer in 15. She had Speak of the Devil (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) a short head back in third when runner-up in the G1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville Aug. 3 and confirmed her superiority over that rival when winning the course-and-distance G3 Prix du Pin Sept. 12. Giving the impression of an improver, the Mikel Delzangles-trained homebred will nevertheless need all the luck to prevail in a renewal featuring two other TDN Rising Stars in Thunder Moon (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}).

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As usual, the foreign presence is strong and foreboding, with Aidan O'Brien looking to continue his golden year in France with Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}). Successful in the G1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket May 2, she has since run second to Coeursamba (Fr) (The Wow Signal {Ire}) in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp May 16, third in the G1 Coronation S. at Royal Ascot June 18 and runner-up again in the G1 Falmouth S. on Newmarket's July course. The form of that July 9 contest could hardly have worked out better at Goodwood this week, with Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Snow Lantern (GB) (Frankel {GB}) making their presence felt in the G1 Sussex S. and the fourth-placed Lady Bowthorpe (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) scooping the G1 Nassau S.

Fifth in the Falmouth and finishing strongly to beaten just over a length in total, David Ward's Listed Michael Seely Memorial S. winner Primo Bacio (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) tries again with trainer Ed Walker expecting her to be in the mix.

“I'm very hopeful,” he said. “She's only had three runs this year and the only time she had an uninterrupted passage she absolutely trotted up. She is massively exciting and she's in great form. We haven't had to do a lot with her since the Falmouth to keep her happy and well. This year, we seem to have found the hottest renewal of the Falmouth in history. We've got to turn the form round with Mother Earth, which I wouldn't bet against her doing. We're just hoping we have a smooth trip and if she does I think she'll be bang there.”

Of the home team, the Katsumi Yoshida-owned Coeursamba, who after her Pouliches victory has subsequently finished 11th trying the 10 1/2-furlong trip of the G1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly June 20, and Teruya Yoshida's acquisition Tahlie (Fr) (Rio de la Plata) appear to hold the strongest claims. Tahlie beat the Pouliches third Kennella (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) in the G2 Prix de Sandringham at Chantilly June 6, but needs to improve significantly to put it up to the raiding party.

Germany are well-represented, with Gestut Brummerhof's Novemba (Ger) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and Cayton Park Stud Ltd and Team Valor's Axana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}). Novemba was the impressive winner of the May 30 G2 German 1000 Guineas at Dusseldorf before finishing a respectable fourth in the Coronation and is set to give jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev the ultimate thrill, while Axana faces the sternest test of her career having annexed Lingfield's G3 Chartwell Fillies' S. over seven furlongs May 8.

Colts Eye Group 3 Laurel

The card kicks off with two races for juveniles headed by the six-furlong G3 Darley Prix de Cabourg, where John and Jess Dance's Sam Maximus (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) could set off another spree for overseas challengers who perennially farm the black-type races at this meeting.

Setting the clear form standard on his latest third in the G2 July S. at Newmarket July 8, where the subsequent G2 Richmond S. winner Asymmetric (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) was a head in front in second, the Tom Dascombe-trained bay has a trio of domestically-trained unexposed colts to contend with. They are Gerard Augustin-Normand's impressive July 13 Prix des Yearlings winner Toimy Son (Fr) (Twilight Son {GB}) from the Yann Barberot stable, Hollymount Stud France's Sunday Best (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}), who was a five-length winner also over this course and distance July 13, and the Andre Fabre-trained Trident (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier and Westerberg's bay beat a subsequent winner over 6 1/2 furlongs on a testing surface at ParisLongchamp June 24 and it is interesting that the master of Chantilly pitches him in here in the race he has won on seven occasions.

Hunt For Perfection

In the G3 Prix Six Perfections Sky Sports Racing, Fabre also has the exciting unbeaten Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) who has been purchased by Ali Hamad Al Attiya after her dazzling success in the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure over this seven-furlong trip and track July 11. George Boughey sends across Nick Bradley Racing's Galileo Gold (GB) duo Oscula (Ire) and Hellomydarlin (Ire), with the pair third and 12th respectively in the six-furlong G3 Albany S. at Royal Ascot June 18. The former was fourth next time in the G2 Duchess of Cambridge S. at Newmarket July 9, while Hellomydarlin managed third in the G2 Prix Robert Papin also over six at Chantilly July 18.

“The ground was too quick for Oscula at Newmarket last time,” Boughey said. “It looks like there's a bit of ease out there this time, which should suit her. She was third in the Albany on heavy and then it was very soft ground on Oaks day when she won the Woodcote. She's rated 100, goes there in good shape, so I think she has a good chance. Jockey reports and everything I've seen have always suggested Hellomydarlin would get seven. She's a big, strong filly and goes there with a decent chance as well. They worked together the other day and they worked as well as each other. Obviously one will beat the other, but where they finish, I'm not sure.”

Another British raider is Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's Daneh (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was impressive when beating a subsequent winner in a novice over this trip on her sole start on Kempton's Polytrack June 23. A daughter of the top-class Rizeena (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}), she is an unknown quantity in this line-up.

“She won very well at Kempton and we thought she deserved a chance in a stakes race,” Ed Crisford commented. “We were going to run her in a listed race at Sandown the other day, but it was very firm ground and she wouldn't want that. It still looks a very punchy affair out there, but she's in good form and I think she's come on again from her first run so we're expecting a good run from her.”

Also in the mix is Alain Jathiere and Guy Pariente's Pascal Bary-trained Lovamour (Fr) (Goken {Fr}), who took a 5 1/2-furlong Chantilly maiden June 20 which has received several boosts and in which the aforementioned Cabourg contender Sunday Best was third, and The Aga Khan's impressive July 15 Chantilly conditions winner Soumera (Fr) (Charm Spirit {Ire}).

Angel Hoping to Earn Halo in Psyche

The 10-furlong G3 Prix de Psyche Sky Sports Racing features the June 4 G1 Epsom Oaks runner-up Mystery Angel (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) who is another Nick Bradley-Boughey project excelling above expectations.

“It seems everywhere she goes, the rain follows her. She's in very good form–she's been busy, but she takes her racing incredibly well,” her trainer said. “She's not bred to get a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half, but I think because she's so relaxed she's able to. We'll probably look to make plenty of use of her and get on the front. James Doyle will know that she stays a mile and a half well and be pretty positive on her.”

Among her seven opponents are Irish challenger The Blue Brilliant, who moves up in class in search of her hat-trick for Jessica Harrington.

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