Aidan O'Brien leaves 10 in French Derby
Tuesday 31 May 2016 12:13, UK
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for 10 of the 27 horses remaining in the Prix du Jockey Club following the latest forfeit stage for the French Derby at Chantilly on Sunday.
Seven of O'Brien's battalion - Beacon Rock, Bravery, Deauville, Idaho, Port Douglas, US Army Ranger and Shogun - are also still in the mix for Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom.
His other three possibles for the French Classic are Black Sea, General Macarthur and A Year To Remember.
Other horses still in both races are 2000 Guineas runner-up Massaat from Owen Burrows' stable, and David Simcock's Algometer.
As expected, Foundation has stood his ground. Connections of the John Gosden-trained colt said the French Derby was his target after he finished third to stablebmate Wings Of Desire in the Dante Stakes.
The French-bred Robin Of Navan, trained by Harry Dunlop, is set to take his chance. The remaining British-based entry is Richard Hannon's Ventura Storm.
The home contingent includes the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained Zarak, who lost his unbeaten record when fifth in the French 2000 Guineas, Jean Claude-Rouget's Group Two winner Mekhtaal and the Andre Fabre-trained pair of Floodlight and Talismanic, who are owned by Godolphin.
Frankie Dettori will be back aboard Foundation as he chases a fourth victory in the Group One contest.
After switching to ride his stablemate Wings Of Desire in the Dante, Dettori, who last won the race in 2007 aboard Lawman, is to be reunited with the son of Zoffany for the 10-furlong prize.
Harry Herbert, spokesman for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "Frankie Dettori will ride Foundation. He knows him like the back of his hand.
"I am sure that Frankie is looking forward to it."
