Dick Turpin out to steal limelight in Poulains
Preview: France, Sunday 2.45pm BST (live on ATR/RUK)
Longchamp: Poule d'Essai des Poulains (Group 1) 1m, turf, 3yo, colts
Trainer Richard Hannon believes that Dick Turpin has not got the credit he deserves so far, but the Arakan colt gets the chance to put that right in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains - the French 2,000 Guineas - on Sunday.
His victory in the Bathwick Tyres Greenham Stakes at Newburylast month was overshadowed by the fact his better-fancied stablemate Canford Cliffs was second, but Dick Turpin confirmed that form when finding only Makfi too good in the StanJames.com 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket last time.
Hannon, who saddled Paco Boy to win Staurday's Group 1 Totesport.com Lockinge Stakes, said: "People have underrated Dick Turpin. I told anyone who would listen before the Greenham that he could be the fly in the ointment, and he not only won that trial but went on to run a blinder to finish second in our Guineas."
The Poulains has attracted 16 runners, the second-largest field in 86 years, but the draw has been kind to Dick Turpin, who is in stall one next to the rail with likely pacemaker Rajsaman next door.
Dick Turpin, who will be ridden by Richard Hughes, was well beaten on his last trip to Longchamp, but Hannon added: "Things didn't go according to plan in the Lagardere and there was interference. He's a different horse this time andhas come on a lot during the winter. I've had no problems with him since the Guineas and have just kept him ticking over. He's had a couple of little blows on the gallops and is just as I want him."
Dick Turpin could finish only fifth in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, which was won by the Aga Khan's Siyouni.
The Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained colt was himself beaten by stablemate Rajsaman in the Prix de Fontainebleau on his seasonal debut, but connections are not expecting that to be repeated.
Godolphin run Buzzword (Mahmood Al Zarooni/Ahmed Ajtebi) and Poet's Voice (Saeed Bin Suroor/Frankie Dettori).
Buzzword beat Siyouni in the Prix La Rochette, but was only third to the same horse in the Lagardere, while last year's Champagne Stakes winner Poet's Voice is making his seasonal debut.
Andre Fabre saddles Lope De Vega (Maxime Guyon) and Forum Magnum (Mickael Barzalona), who will be pacemaking for the other Godolphin runners.
There is a strong British presence in the field, although most are taking a major step up in class.
The Paul Cole-trained Mata Keranjang is still a maiden but has been placed four times in Group races, while Aldovrandi, Classic Colori, Meezaan and Mon Cadeaux have never raced above Listed class.
What they say
Alain de Royer-Dupre, trainer of Rajsaman and Siyouni
"Rajsaman will make the running like he did in the Fontainebleau, buthis task today is to act as leader to Siyouni, and he's a good one. If they don't follow him again, the same thing could happen, but I don't think it will, as this is a big race. Siyouni proved to me in the Fontainebleau that he stayed a mile. He will strip much fitter on this occasion and he's really very well in himself."
Angus Gold, racing manager to Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Meezaan
"We were a little disappointed with him at Doncaster last time, but the ground was very firm and he wouldn't let himself down. He's a heavy-topped horse who has had little problems with his joints. He has been working decently at home and we wouldn't have sent him for this race without good reason."
Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, owner of Buzzword and Poet's Voice
"Buzzword came out of the Guineas in good form but it was a muddling race which didn't work out for him, so we'll put a line through it. He should have a nice chance. Poet's Voice has done well through the winter and it will be good to see him back in action. He had a tendency to run freely last year and we hope he will be more settled this season."
Paul Cole, trainer of Mata Keranjang
"I've got stall 16 of 16 in the race again. It's not very encouraging, but the horse is in good form and always runs well. I suppose we must drop him out and just hope for the best."
Andrew Balding, trainer of Mon Cadeaux
"I'm very happy with the colt and everything has gone smoothly since his last race. He was meant to run in a trial at the Craven meeting but had a small problem, so we had to run him over an inadequate distance at Ascot and were very pleased in the circumstances. I've always felt Mon Cadeaux would get a mile, although it's not a given, so we'll have to see. I'm expecting a good run."
Marco Botti, trainer of Aldovrandi
"He won very nicely at Kempton on the all-weather last time andshowed a nice turn of foot. The draw [ten] is a slight disadvantage, but Stephane [Pasquier] knows the track well. Aldovrandi has been working nicely on the turf and seems to handle it well. He's really come on for the run and now the question mark is whether he's good enough to win a Classic."
Mario Hofer, trainer of Zazou
"The colt is a really good horse and I think he is of Group 1 ability, but this is a tough race. OlivierPeslier won on him at Baden-Baden last year and was impressed, but this is much more difficult."
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