ALMANZOR sprang a 20-1 surprise to give trainer Jean-Claude Rouget his second win in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

Successful with Le Havre in 2009, Rouget sent out the son of Wootton Bassett to take the classic by a length and a half.

Rouget also saddled leading fancy Mekhtaal, but he could never get near enough to challenge after being last turning for home.

Jean-Bernard Eyquem, winning the race for the first time, brought Almanzor through with a well-timed challenge after Harry Dunlop's Robin Of Navan had made most of the running.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Bravery flattered briefly, while Andre Fabre's Talismanic, wearing the Godolphin colours, had every chance.

Zarak came with a late rattle to claim second spot, with Dicton also putting in good late work to take third place, another length and three-quarters away.

The John Gosden-trained Foundation, sent off the 4-1 favourite, was a big disappointment and finished well beaten. The Roger Charlton-trained Imperial Aviator, who was supplemented by connections, also failed to live up to expectations.

Almanzor was given quotes of around 16-1 for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Rouget said: "He is improving, and I had no doubts at all about the trip or his condition coming into the race."

OUT OF LUCK

Maarek couldn't land a blow as the raiders were out of luck in the Group 3 Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly.

Evanna McCutcheon's veteran made late progress to finish fifth, with the honours going the way of Son Cesio.The five-year-old, trained by Alex Pantall, just got the better of Catcall in a driving finish to the five-furlong dash.

Iffranesia, trained in Newmarket by Robert Cowell, cut out most of the pace, but could find no extra in the final furlong and had to settle for fourth spot.

Up front, Son Cesio just got the verdict under Vincent Cheminaud to condemn Catcall to second place in this race for a fourth time.

Rae Guest's Mirza was last of the eight runners.

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