The prestigious Prix Jockey Club is set to take place in Chantilly today, showcasing one of France’s hallmark horse racing events.
Chantilly Showdown as Ballydoyle Duo Targets French Derby
The spotlight will be on Constitution River in the highly anticipated Group 1 Qatar Prix Jockey Club. Positioned in the challenging 15th stall, she faces a significant hurdle as she seeks to claim victory.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, this Wootton Bassett-bred horse demonstrated remarkable talent when she clinched the Dee Stakes. Reports from her connections underscore her potential as a strong contender, despite the less-than-ideal wide draw for jockey Ryan Moore. However, with ample pace expected in the race, she could still make a formidable showing.
Stablemate Hawk Mountain also returns with confidence after achieving top-level success as a two-year-old and winning a trial at this venue. Though still showing signs of inexperience, he will need to adopt a more professional approach to secure victory.
Among the lineup, Hankelow, starting from the first stall, offers great promise, particularly for the extended distance of this race. Unbeaten Dormaran appears to be a rising star for Mikel Delzangles but will face his toughest challenge to date.
Another notable entry is Darizan, a half-brother of Arc winner Darizu, who is expected to perform admirably after showing significant improvement under jockey Michael Barzalona.
Goliath Lockhorn Set to Compete in Grand Prix de Chantilly
The Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly is anticipated to be a contest between Goliath and Cualificar, both starting strong from the front of the lineup.
Andre Favre, holding a record 12 wins in this event, has Cualificar poised for another strong performance. After underwhelming in last season’s Arc, this Prix Niel winner appears to be in better shape after a commendable third-place finish in last month’s Prix de l’Arcourt, making him a serious contender under jockey William Buick.
Goliath, a two-time Group 1 winner—including his victory at King George in 2024—remains a significant threat, especially if he regains full fitness after a 106-day hiatus. Christophe Soumillon, who piloted him to success at Ascot, will return to the saddle.
British contender Aiden also deserves recognition; he rounded off last season with a strong performance, finishing second to Santorini Star, and brings reliable support from the duo of Oisin Murphy and trainer Andrew Balding.
Mudashima Takes Center Stage in the Sandringham Trophy
In the Group 2 Sandringham Trophy, trained by Andrew Balding with Oisin Murphy aboard, Mdashima will enter the competition at 4:15 PM.
This daughter of Frankel experienced a narrow defeat in her last Group 3 at Newmarket but has yet to showcase her full potential this spring. After finishing sixth when favored in the Nell Gwynne in April, she struggled to make an impact in the 1000 Guineas. A drop in class may provide her with the opportunity she needs.
Francis-Henri Graffard’s Dema comes to this race fresh off a dominant win in his previous start at this course and distance, suggesting he could be better suited for this challenge.
Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien’s Green Sense remains a contender, despite a disappointing run in the Goff’s Million at Curragh last season, adding intrigue to the race.
Updates from the East
In the Far East, legendary jockey Zach Pluton is now just one win away from securing the 2000 Hong Kong champion title, with favorable prospects on the horizon as he aims to complete today’s challenges.
As of early updates, expectations are building for jockey Robsen in the final stages of the 2026 Tokyo Yushun (Japan Derby), following a commendable third-place finish in Japan’s 2000 Guineas.
In Chantilly, Amy Murphy’s Toukaido will vie for the Listed crown in the Prix La Fleche at 12:30 PM. Having demonstrated impressive form over the course and distance in his last outing, he is expected to put forth a strong performance under jockey Tony Piccone.
Additionally, two Group 3 races are on the agenda, featuring Aga Khan Studs’ Behraina aiming to make a mark at 1:53 PM and Sajir looking to reclaim his performance at 2:53 PM.
