With Chantilly's G1 Prix du Jockey Club looming at the end of the month, Friday's G3 Prix de Guiche offers the opportunity for some leading protagonists to gain vital course experience ahead of the Classic.
On the face of it, Rashit Shaykhutdinov's De Treville (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) has to find something on his return win in an extended nine-furlong conditions event at Longchamp Apr. 12, but last year's G3 Prix des Chenes runner-up is under the care of Andre Fabre who has already been successful five times and as a son of Dar Re Mi (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) is certain to improve with experience.
Joseph Allen's War Dispatch (War Front) makes a belated first start on turf, having opened his black-type account on his last outing in the Listed Prix Policeman at Cagnes-sur-Mer Feb. 21. His only defeat was at the hands of the subsequent G3 Prix la Rochette winner and promoted G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere scorer Full Mast (Mizzen Mast) over 6 1/2 furlongs on debut at Deauville in August and he is a fascinating contender along with Khalid Abdullah's Inordinate (Harlan's Holiday). He beat the subsequent G3 Prix des Chenes third and G1 Criterium International fourth Cherek (Fr) (Paco Boy {Ire}) on debut over 7 1/2 furlongs at Deauville in August before following up at the expense of the eventual G3 Prix Djebel winner Ride Like the Wind (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in a seven-furlong conditions event at Longchamp in September.
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