The Prix Du Moulin used to sit in the middle of the Arc Trials Day card but now they have separated it onto a day on its own together with the Prix Gladiateur.
This year’s renewal has not attracted any British or Irish raiders and it really looks like a match.
Facteur Cheval surprised many when chasing home Paddington in the Sussex Stakes on soft ground at Goodwood as his previous form really only makes him a Group 3 campaigner – the highest level that he has won. Whilst he was third in the Prix d’Ispahan over nine furlongs (
Erevann behind) that race was virtually a five way photo and was certainly a Group 1 race in name only.
Belbek won last year’s Grand Criterium de Saint Cloud and is the only Group 1 winner in the field as odds on favourite
Big Rock was second in the Prix Du Jockey Club and second in the Prix Jacques le Marois (
Erevann behind). So a dubious form line through the Aga Khan’s colt makes
Big Rock the one to beat but I would prefer the filly
Sauterne for the forecast as she was second in the Prix Jean Prat and third last time in the Prix Rothschild beaten less than a length (
Kelina behind).
On the supporting card it could be a good day for trainer Patrice Cottier as he has the favourites in both the Prix Gladiateur and the Prix Prince d’Orange but no runner in the other Group 3 on the card.
Neither of the British cards make much appeal today and it is hard to get enthusiastic about the Group 3 race at Tipperary as Joseph O’Brien has three of the ten runners, including the penalised favourite
Honey Girl that might have most to fear from 1000 Guineas third
Matilda Picotte.
Good luck to anyone punting – I might just watch Arsenal v Man United...