THE supporting races on Prix du Jockey Club Day at Chantilly may or may not have much of a bearing on future events. In time terms, most of them were rather underwhelming.

Kitesurf looked to win a weak Prix de Royaumont, registering a 104 timefigure and 103.2% finishing speed. La Sardane won possibly an even weaker Prix de Sandringham in a time nearly 3.0s slower than the ordinary handicap which followed it, earning a timefigure of just 53 (108.1% finishing speed). And Silverwave accounted for just four rivals in the Grand Prix de Chantilly in a very similar time to Kitesurf (99 timefigure, 105.5% finishing speed).

The exception was the Prix du Gros-Chene over 1000 metres, run in 58.01 secs and with sectionals which reflect a true pace. British-trained Muthmir came through smoothly from off the pace under a well-judged Jim Crowley ride to win and can be credited with a 115 timefigure. Muthmir is not quite first division in sprinting terms, but, with the notable exception of 123-rated Signs Of Blessing (who should be a major player at Royal Ascot), nor are any of the other French sprinters.