Racing
Zanzoun to miss French Guineas due to being “off behind”
John and Thady Gosden’s Zanzoun will not run in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp on Sunday after being “off behind” this morning.
A winner of the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on her seasonal reappearance, Zanzoun was the only horse not to feature at Thursday's penultimate declaration stage, with thirteen fillies standing their ground.
They include the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Zarigana, who will be ridden by the Aga Khan retained rider Mickael Barzalona. The daughter of Siyouni landed the Prix de la Grotte on her reappearance, with the runner-up that day, She's Perfect, also in line to take her chance.
Alongside Zarigana, the Aga Khan Studs will also be represented by the unbeaten Mandanaba, while Aidan O'Brien could saddle as many as four with Bedtime Story, Exactly, Merrily and Heavens Gate all standing their ground.
Whilst Zanzoun will not be taking part, Juddmonte Farms are still likely to be represented by the Andre Fabre-trained filly Better Together. The daughter of Oasis Dream would be stepping up to 1600m for the first time after winning the Prix Imprudence (Gr.3), with the third and fourth-placed horses Daylight and Mimos both remaining in contention.
18 colts stood their ground for the Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp on Sunday after today's penultimate declaration stage.
The likes of Sahlan, Ridari and Misunderstood will lead the home contingent, while Aidan O'Brien may saddle three for team Ireland, with Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Camille Pissaro, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf scorer Henri Matisse and Serengeti all still in the mix. Ireland also looks likely to be represented by Jessie Harrington's Hotazhell, who was last seen winning the Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster in October.
Charlie Appleby, who landed both the 2000 and 1000 Guineas at Newmarket last weekend, looks set to run Aomori City, while Detain and Luther are also likely contenders from England.
Aidan O'Brien's Rock Of Cashel was the only horse to be removed at this stage.
