We've got the latest trainer quotes ahead of the Prix Ganay at Longchamp on Sunday while Man On The Spot offers his advice.
Prix Ganay, Longchamp, 3.25
Charlie Appleby is looking forward to seeing Ghaiyyath test his powers at the highest level in the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp.
The Dubawi colt won two of his three starts as a juvenile, but was sidelined for almost a year after winning the 2017 Autumn Stakes.
However, he proved his talent remains very much intact when winning a Group Three in Paris in September, and then made a sparkling reappearance in a Group Two there three weeks ago to earn himself a shot at glory on Sunday.
Appleby said: "It was there for everyone to see how impressive he was on his first start as a four-year-old in the Prix d'Harcourt.
"His last two runs have been at Longchamp, so he ticks that particular box in terms of handling the track. He's going another half-furlong on Sunday, but we don't think that will be a problem.
"If he brings his A-game I think he's the one to beat, but at the same time we are stepping up. It's time to test him at this level, so we'll see."
Asked if any plans had been made beyond this weekend's assignment, the trainer added: "If we were lucky enough to win we could look at races like the Prince of Wales's Stakes (at Royal Ascot), but let's get over this hurdle and go from there."
Ghaiyyath faces just four rivals in a race won by John Gosden's dual Champion Stakes hero Cracksman last season.
Andre Fabre saddles the high-class Waldgeist and Soleil Marin as he bids for a record sixth Ganay success.
Fabrice Chappet's Intellogent - third behind Ghaiyyath on his latest outing - and the Pascal Bary-trained Study Of Man complete the select field.
Man On The Spot Tip
GHAIYYATH is moving smoothly through the ranks having added to last year’s Group 3 victories with a successful reappearance in the Group 2 Prix d’Harcourt here earlier in the month. Eased down in the closing stages on that occasion, Charlie Appleby’s colt can confirm running with the placed horses, Soleil Marin and Intellogent, and record his first win at the highest level. Last year’s French Derby winner Study Of Man will prove a sterner test for the likely favourite but Pascal Bary’s charge found fourth-placed Waldgeist too good in last season’s Arc. Andre Fabre’s dual Group 1 winner is perfectly capable of getting involved if at his best though was beaten at a lower level on last year’s seasonal debut.
