Classic season is upon us and last Monday’s proceedings at Saint-Cloud helped somewhat to clarify the puzzle. Aidan O’Brien is not one to shy away from sending his horses abroad, and shipping Greenland to Paris for the Gr.3 Prix Greffulhe paid off.

After showing a fine turn of foot in the latter stages of the Gr.3 Prix La Force three weeks earlier, O’Brien ran his Saxon Warrior colt over 2100m this time, a decision he would not regret. Harry Way led the field, followed by Greenland and Rashford respectively, and this order remained the same for much of the race. With just under 200m to go, Christophe Soumillon made his move but Mickaël Barzalona and Harry Way were not going to give up easily, ultimately going down by just a nose. Rashford took third, 1.25 lengths away. While the winner is a suitable choice for the Prix du Jockey-Club, a decision regarding his participation has yet to be made.

With the Poules d’Essai just over a week away, we now have a better idea of some of the candidates. While Pensée Du Jour, Crown Princess and Jannah Rose have the Prix de Diane in their sights, and may well line up in the Prix Saint-Alary the day of the French Guineas’, Blue Rose Cen, Sauternes, Lindy, Cracksmania, and Elusive Princess have the Pouliches on their agenda.

In the colts’ equivalent, the picture is less clear. Smart winner of the Prix de Fontainebleau,  American Flag represents the best local chance in the Poulains. Valimi is expected to be declared, as is Good Guess, impressive in the Prix Djebel.

At the time of writing, Big Rock and Flight Leader are still being aimed at the Jockey-Club and form part of a very promising cohort of French three year-old prospects, with the late addition of Ace Impact, an impressive Listed winner on Thursday at Chantilly..