Sunday’s action at Saint-Cloud sees the staging of a pair of Gr.1s, the Critérium International, run over a mile, and the 2000m Critérium de Saint-Cloud.

The former has drawn a field of seven, three from overseas, but it is the André Fabre-trained Alcantor who stands out for the home team. Three times a winner in four career starts, he most recently secured the Prix Thomas Bryon with ease, beating Saganti and Havana Cigar whom he will encounter again on Sunday. Exceptional winner of the Prix François Boutin before running second in the Prix des Chênes, the Marseille-trained Grey Man returns fresh to the capital. 

On the foreign side, Sunway represents the interests of David Menuisier. Bred to go on heavy ground, he is one worth paying particular interest to. Aidan O’Brien sends out a pair of Dubawi colts, Portland and Navy Seal, and while plainly talented, neither is a Coolmore generation-leader.

There are few domestic horses in the second big event of the afternoon, but Shiffrin is nevertheless expected to hold her own for owner-breeder Haras d’Etreham. Facile winner of a Chantilly Gr.3 last month, she constitutes a first Gr.1 runner for relative newcomer Nicolas Le Roch. Fabre’s Casapueblo takes a leap in class, but he is a serious colt and should appreciate the softer ground. Ramadan won a Chantilly maiden late last month and, from the stable of Christopher Head, will be worth monitoring.

Should either Los Angeles or Illinois win, it will be Aidan O’Brien’s first Critérium de Saint-Cloud winner since 2010. Son, Joseph saddles Islandsinthestream who placed in a Curragh Gr.1 before winning a Longchamp Class 2, and steps up a further 400m. Richard Hughes’ Bracken’s Laugh scored first time out but faces a stiff test.