THE temporary closure of Longchamp means that some of the French classic trials have taken place, and the French equivalent of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas themselves will be taking place, in unfamiliar surroundings.

The most recent of the former were at Chantilly and a real mixed bag from a timing point of view. Both the Prix Noailles, won by Soleil Marin, and the Prix de la Grotte for fillies, won by Senga, were falsely-run affairs, resulting in timefigures of 95 and just 36 respectively.