3.25pm Prix d’Ispahan (Group 1) (3yo+) 1m 1f

The Prix d’Ispahan is one of the major French races least plundered by cross Channel raiders (when Roger Varian’s Zabeel Prince took the prize last term it was the first successful British sortie since 2003). And even though Brits account for over half of the eight-strong field for this nine-furlong contest, the trend is set to continue.

Persian King is the reason why. This physically imposing son of Kingman was always likely to be better with age, given the size of his frame, and master trainer André Fabre has been predictably patient with him, not rushing him back when he suffered a minor injury while finishing second in last year’s Prix du Jockey Club.

There were a few long faces when he was beaten by his stablemate, Magny Cours, on his return from a year’s layoff, but the winner has franked that form and, having improved hugely for that pipe-opener, Persian King, was more like his old self when landing the Group 2 Prix du Muguet three weeks ago.

This extra furlong should be right up his street and a second career Group 1 success looks his for the taking.

The unusual distance should also suit another leading home-trained candidate, Shaman, who beat two subsequent Group 1 scorers in the Group 2 Prix d’Harcourt in early May before finding the slightly longer trip beyond him in the Prix Ganay. But the fact that his trainer, Carlos Laffon-Parias, has saddled 50 runners since his last winner tempers enthusiasm.

Motamarris, the other home-trained contender is also worth considering. His only reverse in five career starts came when he was third, two lengths behind Persian King, in the Jockey Club, and his own comeback victory, when landing last month’s Listed Grand Prix de Compiegne, could hardly have been more stylish.

The British battalion is led by Roseman, representing last year’s winning connections. He suffered a troubled passage when fourth to Circus Maximus in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and is another who will relish the extra furlong.

All three of Century Dream, Stormy Antarctic and Pogo do not look quite up to Group 1 calibre but, with this race opened up to the younger generation on a one-off basis, the solitary three-year-old, Positive, is interesting.

His juvenile form included a defeat of Kameko and Al Suhail in Group 3 company and his fourth in the St James’s Palace Stakes represented a decent return to action.

SELECTION: PERSIAN KING

Next best: Motamarris

1.35pm Darley Prix Robert Papin (Group 2) (2yo) 6f

In contrast to the d’Ispahan, the Darley Prix Robert Papin has been dominated by British visitors of late with six consecutive victories.

That sequence should be extended with Michael Bell’s The Lir Jet, winner of the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. Unfortunately the Irish-owned Coventry Stakes winner Nando Parrado was withdrawn on Friday morning due to a minor setback.

The likely fast ground should suit the final British challenger, supplementary entry Ventura Tormenta, who will also enjoy this drop back to six furlongs.

SELECTION: THE LIR JET

Next best: Ventura Tormenta