Nocturnal Fox & Deemster go up in class at Chantilly

Progressive three-year-olds Nocturnal Fox and Deemster step up to Group level at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 17 June.

Both colts are trained by Andre Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, with Nocturnal Fox lining up in the 12-furlong G2 Prix Hocquart on the back of an emphatic win in a Maisons-Laffitte maiden over a furlong and a half shorter on 16 May.

The son of Farhh finished fifth in mile maidens on both his previous starts, including when going down by just over six lengths after showing signs of inexperience at Chantilly at the end of April.

Nocturnal Fox opposes seven other three-year-old colts, with G3 Prix Noailles winner Pharrell and the unbeaten Aspetar among them.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin commented: “Nocturnal Fox is taking a big step up in class, but he is a progressive type, who won his maiden nicely last time out.

“Any softening of the ground would help, but he is a laid-back colt who should get this trip.

“He is coming up against some experienced rivals, but we are hoping that he can make the step up to Group level and run a nice race.”

Invincible Spirit colt Deemster remains over a mile for the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac after staying on gamely for a short-head verdict over the same trip in the Listed Prix du Pont Neuf on his seasonal return at Longchamp on 29 April.

Deemster made two outings, both on Polytrack at Chantilly, as a juvenile and was the easy winner of a seven-furlong maiden in November.

He tackles six rivals including G1 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches third Wind Chimes, and Infernal Majesty, who was seventh in the G1 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains.

Lisa-Jane Graffard added: “Deemster is a horse with plenty of quality and comes into this race on the back of a nice Listed win at the end of April.

“This is a bigger step up than it looks as this is a strong G3 race, but Deemster is in good form and conditions will suit.”