King For A Day

KING FOR A DAY 
While the big cats are away at Ascot, the mice can play today in Longchamp’s G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris, and Jeff Smith’s Norse King (Fr) (Norse Dancer {Ire}) is the one to aim at among this quartet as he seeks consecutive renewals. Third when last seen attempting to give the high-class Spiritjim (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}) five pounds in the June 1 G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly, the Mar. 15 G3 Prix Exbury winner was also second in the G2 Prix d’Harcourt and third in the G1 Prix Ganay over 10 furlongs here in April, and sets the standard on his title defense. Three sophomores are in opposition, with Godolphin’s Manatee (GB) (Monsun {Ger}) the most intriguing following his impressive 4 1/2-length success in a 15-furlong conditions event at Maisons-Laffitte last time Sept. 29.