Desmond Stoneham

CHANTILLY - SUNDAY

2.45 Prix du Jockey Club (Group 1) 3yo colts and fillies 1m 21/2f

Aidan O’Brien has not had much luck in this race which is one of very few classics to have eluded him. The Master of Ballydoyle will saddle three contenders on this occasion and they all have draws on the favourable side. The ground will be suitable for all and this year’s Jockey Club looks extremely open.

Ryan Moore took the race a year ago with The Grey Gatsby and he will be on board Cape Clear Island with Joseph O’Brien up on Highland Reel while War Envoy has been entrusted to Colm O’Donoghue. All of the O’Brien raiders have run at Longchamp this season. Cape Clear Island made the classy Ampere pull out all the stops in the Prix Hocquart and Highland Reel finished just ahead of War Envoy when taking sixth place in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

Highland Reel was racing for the first time since winning the Group 2 Veuve Clicquot Stakes at Goodwood last July so he will have benefited from the outing. New Bay had a bad outside draw in the Poulains but did finish second to stablemate Make Believe after eating up the ground in the straight. Once again he has been drawn on the outside but it will be less of a disadvantage at Chantilly.

The Aga Khan’s Karaktar has plenty to recommend him. He has won twice over the Jockey Club distance this season, has yet to be extended and has acted on all going.

Last time out the Group 3 Prix Noailles went his way and he well ahead of the runner-up High Dynamite. The Prix de Guiche over the course and just short of the distance was won by War Dispatch and he should again hold Piment Rouge.

The unbeaten Silverwave was most impressive in the Prix La Force which he took by four lengths from Epicuris, who has been diverted to the Investec Derby. This race will be a late decision by Francis Graffard for Sumbal. Unraced at two, this son of Danehill Dancer has yet to taste defeat in three races. He coasted home in the Group 2 Prix Greffulhe but his main opponent Epicuris refused to enter the stalls so was withdrawn. Mostaneer should again hold Kahouanne and Listan is the dark horse as he runs at a major French track for the first time and following a six-length victory at Tarbes.

Selection: NEW BAY

Next best: War Dispatch

REST OF THE CARD

12.55 Prix du Gros-Chene-Equidia Live (Group 2) 3yo+ 5f

Selection: STEPPER POINT

Next best: Mirza

1.25 Prix de Royaumont-RMC (Group 3) 3yo fillies 1m 4f

Selection: KATANIYA

Next best: Toujours l’Amour

3.30 Prix de Sandringham (Group 2) 3yo fillies 1m

Selection: MEXICAN GOLD

Next best: Impassable

4.05 Grand Prix de Chantilly (Group 2) 4yo+ 1m 4f

Selection: AGENT MURPHY

Next best: Prince Gibraltar