Prix Jean Prat 2011

2.45 Chantilly

Prix Jean Prat (Group 1) (3yo Colts & Fillies) (Turf) (3yo) Winner £197,034

Pick: Zoffany (win)

Mutual Trust: Deeply impressive winner of the Prix Paul De Moussac, when ratting up a quick-fire hat-trick, having already registered a pair of minor victories last month (did by far best of those off the pace, even in a strongly run race); Well worth place in this company and probably the one to beat.

Venomous: Career best by miles when a good third in the French 2,000 Guineas (travelled superbly) but never showed anything like the same form when sixth behind Mutual Trust last time out; No excuses and pretty easy to oppose.

Neebras: Made highly encouraging debut for David Lanigan at Newbury last May before landing odds comfortably and finishing second in July Stakes, hanging badly left at finish; blew his race before the start & at stalls when reappearing over 6f, much better form when coasting home on bridle in conditions event (confidence booster); Next 2 efforts (in good listed race and then when game fourth in St James’s Palace behind Zoffany) give him a fair chance.

Zoffany: High class 2yo, fulfilling potential with hat trick of wins highlighted by his cosy Phoenix Stakes success, unsuited by heavy ground when third behind Pathfork in National Stakes; Creditable return (had fallen sick) behind Bewitched in Ballycorus Stakes and new career best when fast closing on Frankel (albeit very much flattered) and should go very close here.

Temps Au Temps: Winner and second at listed level last season but unable to make his mark in Group 2 Criteirum de Maisons-Laffitte; Beaten far in both starts this season before French Guineas fourth and hard to recommend based on just that run; Vulnerable to progressive types.

Strong Suit: Built on highly impressive debut success when winning last year’s Coventry, doing very well to overcome serious interference and never matched that form for rest of juvenile career; Desperately disappointing in Greenham on return but breathing problem which has since been fixed as he showed when winning Jersey Stakes under a penalty latest and sure to go well.

Glorious Sight: Had looked exposed but  best efforts of career have come the last thrice, when second in French Guineas to Golden Lilac and running brave races upped to 10f in the Prix Saint Alary/French Oaks latest; Should give her all again but this looks to be too tough against the best of the boys.

VERDICT: A belting renewal with a strong international challenge. You can rest assured that Mutual Trust will launch a bold bid to land yet another big race for Andre Fabre but ZOFFANY might be the one. Strong Suit, an impressive winner of the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, will make a bold bid.