A trio of prep races for the spring Classics takes centre stage at ParisLongchamp this weekend, with some high-profile names travelling to the French capital for the occasion.

Blue Rose Cen makes her first appearance since winning the Gr.1 Prix Marcel Boussac last October, and headlines the Gr.3 Prix de la Grotte. One of the principal domestic hopes for 2023, she takes on the Wertheimer’s beautifully-bred Algolia who imposed with ease on both appearances this season. Peter Savill’s Autumn Starlight, will also be under scrutiny.

The Gr.3 Prix de Fontainebleau, a lead-up to the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, will see the return of the Aga Khan’s Rajapour. The highly-regarded Almanzor colt won three straight last summer, culminating in a Listed at Deauville. American Flag was an impressive winner of the Listed Prix Omnium II at Saint-Cloud on his seasonal return, and will be one to watch as he races on ground which will not have as much give in it this time

Star attraction though will be Ballydoyle’s Victoria Road who could make it five wins on the trot, the last coming in the form of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. He secured two in a row in France last summer and will be a good yardstick for the local handlers. 

Springboard to the Prix du Jockey-Club, or even the Gr.1 Grand Prix de Paris, the Gr.3 Prix Noailles has drawn a less-elevated group, but interest will be piqued by the late addition of Harry Way, the highest-rated horse in the field. Listed-placed Prince De Paname is sure to generate interest, but could be upstaged by winners like Flight Leader, Londoner or Fortune, who have not been tested at a more lofty level.