It's French Derby and Oaks day at Chantilly on Sunday - check out our verdicts and selections for the two Classics.
2.10 Prix du Jockey Club
There looks to be plenty of hopeful entries rather than genuine contenders this year including the Ballydoyle pair Order Of Australia, fourth in last week's Irish Derby behind three stablemates, and Fort Myers, well beaten in the Irish 2000 Guineas. Mishriff steps up massively in class after an easy victory in a Newmarket Listed contest while the unbeaten Port Guillaume has yet to contest a pattern race. Pao Alto had Ocean Atlantique one-and-a-half-lengths behind when landing a Group 3 over 1m1f at Longchamp in May and though the longer trip will suit the latter the winner wasn't stopping and the form can be confirmed. Andre Fabre trains the runner-up and appears to hold all the aces with VICTOR LUDORUM. Last year's top juvenile put a return defeat behind him with an impressive performance in the French 1000 Guineas and his pedigree suggests he could be even better over today's trip.
2.55 Prix de Diane
Raabihah was impressive in landing a Longchamp Listed contest in May and could be special though she faces much better rivals here, mostly from Ireland. Peaceful landed the Irish 1000 Guineas in fine style, coming clear a furlong out and never looking in any danger. The Coolmore-owned Fancy Blue stayed on strongly into second and both should be suited by the longer trip though probably with the same result. However, back in third and just over 2 lengths behind came another in the same ownership, So Wonderful, and she then went to Royal Ascot where she finished fourth, almost 7 lengths behind ALPINE STAR in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes so collateral form gives Jessica Harrington's filly a clear advantage. Speak Of The Devil had Mageva back in third when runner-up in the French 1000 Guineas but the latter finished strongly and could repay each-way support at a big price.
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