THERE was a close finish to both the Prix Vanteaux and Prix La Force where middle distance classic hopes went through their paces. In the former, Guyon gave the beautifully bred Gold Luck, a half-sister by Redoute’s Choice to the awesome Goldikova, a precision ride by arriving at exactly the right moment to win by a short-head and a head from the favourite and long-time leader Monroe Bay and Hebah. Freddy Head now has his eyes on Deauville. He said: “She will come on from this outing and the Prix Saint-Alary is now the target and then we shall see.”

Under half a length separated the first three in the Prix La Force with Graphite and Pierre-Charles Boudot just having the upper hand in front of Phelps Win and the favourite Franz Schubert who did not engage top gear until the furlong post. Graphite looks on course for the Prix du Jockey Club and, maybe, all is not quite all well with Franz Schubert who has very temporarily left the Fabre stable.