Clear' Intent

With the G3 Chester Vase and Listed Lingfield Derby Trial already in the bag, Aidan O'Brien sends a duo to Longchamp for Sunday's G2 Prix Hocquart, yet another of the string of Derby trials staged across Europe, and Ryan Moore is onCape Clear Island (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Successful at 14-1 in Newmarket's £200,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Trophy over 10 furlongs Apr. 16, he was second in the G3 Sandown Classic Trial at that trip eight days later and gave the impression that this additional furlong would hold no fears. Joining him is Royal Navy Ship (War Front), who was second in a decent conditions event at Gowran Park Apr. 26 and they offer stern opposition to the home team. That includes His Highness The Aga Khan's Canndal (Fr) (Medicean {GB}), the winner of a 10-furlong conditions event here last time Apr. 23 and the owner-breeder's racing manager Georges Rimaud said, “He is an interesting horse and we'll have to see what happens.” Holding the record of winners is Andre Fabre and he looks for an eighth renewal with Haras de Saint Pair's Apr. 9 course-and-distance conditions winner Ampere (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}).