Classic racing at ParisLongchamp takes center stage, with dual Group One winner Puerto Rico making his seasonal return in the French 2000 Guineas. Two additional Group contests, including the French 1000 Guineas, highlight the card.
**2.50 ParisLongchamp – Puerto Rico Leads the French 2000 Guineas Field**
Puerto Rico, the highly anticipated three-year-old trained by Aidan O’Brien, returns in a strong renewal of the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains. After losing his first five starts, the son of Wootton Bassett broke his maiden in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last September. He followed that with Group 1 victories in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Criterium International, making him a warm favorite to land a fourth consecutive win. O’Brien took this race last season with Henri Matisse, and this exciting colt appears difficult to beat.
Nighttime and Rayif, both behind the favorite on Arc day at ParisLongchamp, are the main dangers. Nighttime should be race-ready after a second-place finish in a trial, while Rayif missed his intended prep but commands respect for the powerful Francis-Henri Graffard stable. Hankelow, impressive when winning the Autumn Stakes on his final start last season, offers each-way value for Karl Burke.
**3.25 ParisLongchamp – Star Filly Diamond Necklace Seeks Classic Victory**
Diamond Necklace, the standout filly in the Emirates Poule d’Essai Pouliches, aims for classic glory. Another Aidan O’Brien trainee, she enjoyed a spectacular two-year-old campaign, winning her first two starts before taking the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at this track in October. After that victory, her jockey spoke highly of her, and with Ryan Moore back in the saddle, she looks tough to oppose.
British raider Zanthos, last seen winning the Group Two Rockfel Stakes, merits respect under Oisin Murphy, especially after the runner-up from that race finished fourth in the 1000 Guineas. Others to note include Prix de la Grotte runner-up Narissa, while Billy Loughnane seeks another Guineas success aboard Isle Of Fernandez.
**12.50 ParisLongchamp – Unbeaten Gilded Prize Steps Up in Class**
Francis-Henri Graffard appears to have another potential star in Juddmonte filly Gilded Prize, who steps up to Group Two company in the Prix Saint-Alary. Unbeaten in three starts, the Frankel daughter has been a powerful mover, catching the eye in each outing. She showed versatility by making all in a Group Three at Saint-Cloud last time and is hard to oppose with Colin Keane aboard.
Aidan O’Brien’s Composing was a promising two-year-old, winning at this level in August before taking on tougher assignments. She made a satisfactory reappearance when fifth behind subsequent 1000 Guineas winner True Love at Leopardstown, and the extra distance may suit. Lapotheose and Evita have place claims.
**11.40 ParisLongchamp – Group Three Sprint**
The card opens with a Group Three over five furlongs, featuring Rayevka, Rogue Lightning, and Mgheera.
