A top-tier day of racing awaits at Longchamp this Sunday (April 13), with a number of Group 3 contests for three-year-olds headlining the card — each showcasing some of last season’s standout juveniles.
Two of the day’s features, the 1600m Prix de la Grotte (fillies) and the 1600m Prix de Fontainebleau (colts and geldings), serve as key trials for the French 1000 and 2000 Guineas (Poules d’Essai).
In the Prix de la Grotte, attention will centre on Zarigana, the highly regarded granddaughter of champion Zarkava. After a perfect start to her career, including a Group 3 Prix d’Aumale win, she was narrowly defeated — beaten by a nose — in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac. Now a leading 13/8 favourite for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and listed at 16/1 for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Francis Graffard-trained filly carries high expectations into her seasonal return.
Her main challenger could be the unbeaten Safia, who impressed in her two career starts to date. She made a strong seasonal comeback with a determined victory at Saint-Cloud late last month, suggesting there’s more to come.
The Prix de Fontainebleau marks the return of Misunderstood, who won his first two starts — most notably a 4.5-length triumph in the Group 3 Prix des Chênes. Despite a third-place finish in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, he retains high regard. Also in the mix is Darius Cen, a Listed winner in the Prix Omnium II and viewed with optimism by trainer Victoria Head. The colt has shown considerable potential and will look to stake his Classic claims on Sunday.
