Fabre's Two Godolphin Colts Eyeing Jockey-Club

Andre Fabre is poised to saddle both Floodlight and Talismanic in Sunday's G1 Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly in a strengthened Godolphin attempt to lift the coveted French Classic.

But the Charlie Appleby-trained Hawkbill, winner of his last four starts on the trot, including the Listed Newmarket Stakes, misses the race and will be kept in reserve for Royal Ascot.

Following persistent rain at Chantilly early in the week, the ground softened significantly and Fabre tapered his plans accordingly after Floodlight and Talismanic, both sons of Medaglia d'Oro, completed small pieces of work separately.

Floodlight reportedly handled the rain-softened surface much better than anticipated, which led the trainer to include him in French Derby calculations. Due to the uncertainty of the weather, however, final plans are being delayed until the declaration deadline.

Fabre said: "Floodlight worked well in heavy ground and is a probable runner on Sunday.

"I feel that a step up in trip will suit him. I'm encouraged by Medaglia d'Oro's progeny's results in this type of going.

"Talismanic (also by the same sire), who we know handles heavy underfoot conditions, has continued to improve and we have added him to our Prix du Jockey-Club team.

"He has done really well since his win in the Prix de l'Avre and is a very honest, genuine horse," he added.

Mickael Barzalona has been booked to partner Talismanic, a last start winner over a mile and a half in heavy ground at Saint-Cloud.

Hawkbill misses Sunday's race because of the ground. He had been in France 10 days but has been sent back to Newmarket, where he will be prepared for the Royal meeting.

He has a choice of the G3 Tercentenary Stakes, over a mile and a quarter, on June 16, or the G2 King Edward VII Stakes, over a mile and a half, on June 17.

Appleby believes the experience of travelling to France will be of benefit to Hawkbill long-term.

"He's grown up a lot because of his trips over from America, to Dubai, and now France. The ground went a little too soft for him at Chantilly, but now we can look to Ascot in two weeks," he pointed out.