Won in the past by the likes of Cirrus Des Aigles, Goldikova, Solow and Persian King, the 1850m, Gr.1 Prix d’Ispahan occupies a rather particular place in the European calendar, being run the same weekend as the Tattersalls Gold Cup and just a few days after the Lockinge Stakes. Monday’s edition has nevertheless attracted considerable quality.

Runners may be in short supply but they are present in depth, with French-trained Erevann leading the charge. He should be in peak condition for his first seasonal objective before being sent to Royal Ascot for the Queen Anne Stakes. Facteur Cheval, who beat him at Saint-Cloud, likes a good pace, is proven over a mile, and will be a serious proposition if he gets the trip. 

Junko has not been seen out since finishing 6th in the Dubai Turf, but he has never disappointed at Longchamp and will have a lot to offer if he can reproduce his Chantilly comeback performance.

Winner of the 2022 Grand Prix de Paris and close second in the Irish Champion Stakes, it is Onesto who will arguably be the most scrutinised on his first run since November’s Japan Cup.

Winner of last year’s Prix Dollar and author of a solid return to racing earlier this month at Newmarket when runner-up to Adayar in the Gordon Richards Stakes, Anmaat is one of the more interesting foreign runners. Light Infantry has never disappointed in France and although untried beyond a mile, he must nevertheless be considered a major player.

Buckaroo made a winning return to action in a Listed contest at Leopardstwon early April and looks an intriguing candidate.