Gilded Prize

Following a remarkable Chester May meeting, Ballydoyle will look to continue their momentum into the weekend, with two Classics at stake on Sunday. Heading the baker's dozen going forward for ParisLongchamp's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains is the yard's Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Criterium International hero Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett), while their Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica) is heavily favoured for the 15-strong G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett), who will be accompanied by the G3 Killavullan Stakes and Goffs Million winner Dorset...

Whether the Classic picture is any clearer this week than last is debatable but what the last seven days have brought us is some truly impressive performances to savour. And it is hard to pick just one, though it has to be said that Portcullis's Wood Ditton run was visually the most spectacular for all that you could see the colt learning with every stride he took, from being left at the start, to bounding through then clear of his rivals.  His maiden success for the King and Queen played...

Friday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 16:55, HENRI MATISSE COOLMORE PRIX CLEOPATRE-G3, €73,200, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT Field: Gilded Prize (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Takerya (Fr) (Ectot {GB}), Blanche De Medicis (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}), Arkansas (Fr) (Sottsass {Fr}), Warriors Whisper (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Turbulente (Ire) (Australia {GB}). TDN Analysis: Francis Graffard has yet to win this contest and sends forth Juddmonte's undefeated Gilded Prize in this stepping stone to June's G1 Prix de Diane. Andre Fabre has a record 13 renewals already in the books and is represented here by Blanche...

Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica) and Precise (Starspangledbanner), both Group 1-winning juveniles trained by Aidan O'Brien, headline 53 entries for the Betfred Oaks at Epsom on Friday, June 5. Unbeaten in three starts as a two-year-old, Diamond Necklace was last seen winning the Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp, while Precise rattled off four straight victories as a two-year-old after being beaten on her debut at Fairyhouse, culminating with back-to-back Group 1 wins in the Moyglare Stud Stakes and Fillies' Mile. In total, O'Brien has entered 15 fillies in his quest...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features an unbeaten Juddmonte filly. 2.30 Chantilly, Cond, 3yo, 9 1/2f (AWT) GILDED PRIZE (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is one of seven last-time-out winners in this eight-runner line-up in what could prove an early pointer to the Prix de Diane. Juddmonte's daughter of the Beverly D. and Flower...

Winter Watch will have its time between now and the return of the Flat for real next March, but first let us bask in a snapshot of summer, celebrating our diamonds in the rough who graduated from all-weather unknowns to titans of the turf in the space of 12 months. Last winter's action might not have given us another Classic winner, à la Notable Speech, but once again the flourishing all-weather programme lived up to its reputation as a breeding ground for black-type performers of the future. At the very top...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations focuses on what has the makings of an informative card at Chantilly. 14.30 Chantilly, €27,400, Mdn, unraced 2yo, c/g, 9 1/2f (AWT) Christophe Ferland entry SELVO (FR) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), a sibling of G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Queen's Jewel (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), is one of several...