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Will decision to skip Newmarket be vindicated?
Andre Fabre sees Magna Grecia ’s success at Newmarket as a big plus ahead of Persian King’s bid for Classic glory at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
The Godolphin-owned Kingman colt beat Aidan O’Brien’s 2000 Guineas winner last season in the Autumn Stakes.
This weekend Persian King runs in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) and while Fabre is not overly enthused by the prospect of soft ground, he is likely to be a red-hot favourite given the ease with which he won his trial.
“Obviously I was very pleased to see Magna Grecia win as he did last week,” said Fabre.
“He’s in good shape. The ground will probably be a bit soft for him, but he will handle it – most Kingman’s handle it quite well.
“Stall two is good, I can’t have any complaints about that.”
Fabre also runs Munitions, another in the Godolphin blue and who won the Prix Djebel over seven furlongs on his return to action.
“Munitions is a very laid-back horse which will give him every chance of staying a mile,” said Fabre.
“On pedigree there is no reason why he shouldn’t stay and anyway, there is no other option, he’s won a Group Three so we have to try.”
Bolstering the home team is Freddy Head’s Anodor, who won his first two starts last year before finishing third in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere behind Royal Marine. He has not been seen since.
“British and Irish trainers often send their horses without a prep for these big early-season races and that strategy frequently seems to work,” said Head.
“French trainers tend to think a prep is necessary, but sometimes that can result in too hard a race. Anodor can perform well fresh and I’m happy with him.”
Roger Varian is represented by San Donato, William Haggas runs Senza Limiti, while Paul Cole’s Duke Of Hazzard is back in France and O’Brien runs Never No More and Van Beethoven.
Joseph O’Brien and Gerald Mosse team up with No Needs Never.