Now that the middle-distance fillies are in full swing, attention turns to Sunday's G2 Prix de Malleret at Saint-Cloud, which features a clutch of unexposed types and a representative of the form of the G1 Epsom Oaks. Fourth there without ever landing a blow on the principals, Cliveden Stud's Horseplay (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) is nevertheless a work in progress having taken a big leap from her prior win in Newmarket's Listed Pretty Polly S. over a mile and a quarter on May 7. Two other Brits of note are Vintage Folly (GB) (Makfi {GB}), who chased home Shutter Speed (GB) (Dansili {GB}) when second in York's G3 Musidora S. May 17, and the authoritative June 15 Listed Lord Weinstock Memorial S. winner Elas Ruby (GB) (Raven's Pass).
Due deference must be given to the king of France's pattern-race system, Andre Fabre, who looks to extend his record of seven wins in this with Godolphin's May 25 Lyon-Parilly maiden scorer Strathspey (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), while Alain de Royer-Dupre supplies a potential improver from His Highness The Aga Khan's legions in Baiyouna (Fr) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). The half-sister to the GI Secretariat S. winner Bayrir (Fr) (Medicean {GB}) won on debut over 11 furlongs at Chantilly on May 22 and may have more to offer than Listen In (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) and Rythmique (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}), who chased home the subsequent G1 Prix de Diane runner-up Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) when second and third, respectively, in the 10 1/2-furlong G3 Prix Penelope here on Apr. 23.
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