Signs look strong for Cualificar heading into G1 Prix du Jockey Club

Cualificar brings some impeccable breeding and a perfect record this season into the G1 Prix du Jockey Club as he bids to emulate the victories of his sire and grandsire in the French Classic on Sunday, 1 June.

Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner Shamardal bravely made all to provide Godolphin with a first success in the Chantilly showpiece 20 years ago, with his son Lope de Vega completing the same double five years later.

Cualificar is a son of Lope de Vega and out of Qualify, who enjoyed Classic success of her own in the 2015 Oaks at Epsom Downs.

Following two promising runs over seven and a half furlongs at the end of last year, Cualificar is unbeaten in three appearances so far this season.

The Andre Fabre-trained runner captured a Saint-Cloud maiden in March before annexing two G3 trials for the Prix du Jockey Club, gamely scoring by a neck in Longchamp’s Prix La Force before a comfortable win in the Prix de Guiche at Chantilly.

Louise Benard of Godolphin said: “Cualificar worked well earlier in the week and we are happy with him. Andre gave him plenty of time to develop last year and he has improved with every run so far. He comes into what looks an open race on good terms with himself.”