Global Weekly Preview - 29.05.15

It is 10 years since the French went slim-line with their Derby, and it is hard to argue that it has detracted from the race itself or its value within the context of European racing.

They lopped a furlong and a half off the traditional mile-and-a-half distance, and why not?

After all, many times they were vying with Epsom for the same colts, though that only really occurred when the stars were trained in France.

And very often, the French staged their Classic exactly 24 hours after the English. It can still happen today, though this year six days separate the two big races in question.

Shamardal, the successful Darley stallion, won the first mile-and-a-quarter Prix du Jockey-Club of the modern era, and other notables to have landed the prize are Lawman (2007), Lope De Vega (2010), Reliable Man (2011) and The Grey Gatsby (2014).

Most experts are finding it hard to get a handle on the Derby at Epsom, but on the evidence seen thus far in Paris, the Andre Fabre-trained New Bay is clear of his rivals in the French version.

This colt, a son of the Darley stallion Dubawi, turned in a brilliant 'trial' for the Prix du Jockey-Club when he came from second last on the home turn to take second place behind Make Believe in the French 2,000 Guineas.

It was a truly stunning performance as he had drawn badly and was dropped out early.

Despite giving away 15 lengths to the leader at half-way, he 'flew' in the straight. The extra distance is going to be no trouble to him.

The Ballydoyle colts, Highland Reel and War Envoy, sixth and seventh respectively in the French Guineas, are well held by New Bay on that form.

The Aga Khan is represented by Karaktar, who looked the part in the Prix Noailles recently, while War Dispatch, who has won six of his seven starts for Jean-Claude Rouget, is deserving of a crack at this level.

Qatar Racing have been debating whether the unbeaten Prix Greffulhe winner Sumbal should take his chance. Andre Atzeni, his jockey, is a big fan of this colt.

On the same card, Godolphin have Manatee contesting the Grand Prix de Chantilly but he will be up against Agent Murphy, Spiritjim and Prince Gibraltar, who all have strong credentials.