THE classic generation was showcased in ParisLongchamp’s two other feature events, the Prix La Force (for colts) and the Prix Vanteaux (for fillies) – both Group 3 events run over nine furlongs.

On each occasion a Wertheimer Brothers homebred, representative of the Carlos Laffon-Parias (right)stable, came out on top to underline early indications that this 55-year-old trainer has a strong group of three-year-olds. Alongside, the more obvious name of the 29-time champion trainer, André Fabre, could be the man to watch in coming weeks.

The La Force went the way of the Shamardal colt, Shaman. Prompted to make the running by his low draw, he held off Rockemperor by a comfortable neck.

“I had intended to send Shaman straight for the Poule d’Essai des Poulains after his recent listed win but decided that he could do with getting some experience of Longchamp,” Laffon-Parias said. “His next race should either be the Poule d’Essai or a Prix du Jockey-Club trial.”

SLOWER

Platane then clocked a 1.5 seconds slower time in disposing of the previously unbeaten Etoile by a neck in the Vanteaux, the pair an impressive four and a half lengths clear of the remainder.

The Prix Saint-Alary and the Prix de Diane are next on the agenda for this Le Havre filly who was giving Maxime Guyon, currently flying high at the head of the jockeys’ standings, a 64th success of the year.

Twenty-four hours later and this became 65 as another Laffon-Parias/Wertheimer filly, last year’s Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Matematica, disposed of her Chantilly maiden opponents with the minimum of fuss and now heads for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.

Also aiming for the Pouliches is another striking recent maiden heroine Siyarafina, successful in the Prix Parade d’Amour at Saint-Cloud on April 4th. An Aga Khan-owned and bred Pivotal filly out of a half-sister to the Group 1 winners Siyouni and Siyouma, trainer Alain de Royer-Dupré has suggested that she will have one more start, in a conditions race at ParisLongchamp on April 22nd, before that classic assignment.