Verdict

UK runners have a good record in this but the Irish may well claim this year’s prize with ABOVE THE CURVE. Joseph O’Brien’s filly has already won in France this year and ran a big race in the Nassau at Goodwood last time having been beaten less than a length on very testing going in last season’s Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp. Via Sistina won the Pretty Polly at the Curragh last month with Trevaunance well beaten and copes with soft ground but Group 3 winner One For Bobby has a bit to find at this level. The progressive Darkaniya beat Mqse De Sevigne a nose in Listed company last time but Plesant Jane and Valpolicella are others facing a tough task.

Formwatch

Darkaniya (FR) 7-1 (8-13) won at Chantilly 1m 2f lst fll stks gs in Jul beating Mqse De Sevigne (8-13) by shd, 7 ran.

Plesant Jane (FR) 14-1 (8-10) 3rd of 8, 5 1/4l behind West Wind Blows (8-13) at ParisLongchamp 1m 2f Grp 3 stks gs in Jun.

Via Sistina (IRE) Evensfav (9-9) In touch, headway over 2f out, ridden and edged right over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 6 1/2l behind Nashwa (9-9) at Newmarket 1m Grp 1 fll stks (1) gd in Jul.

Above The Curve (USA) 7-1 (9-9) Led, quickened tempo over 3f out, ridden and headed inside final 2f, chased winner and rallied towards finish, always held, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Al Husn (9-9) at Goodwood 1m 2f Grp 1 fll stks (1) sft in Aug.

One For Bobby (IRE) 3-1fav (9-1) won at Vichy 1m 2f Grp 3 stks sft in Jul beating Bolthole (9-4) by 3/4l, 8 ran.

Trevaunance (IRE) 25-1 (9-10) Pushed along early and soon led, pushed along again and headed 2f out, soon ridden and 4th 150 yards out, kept on one pace, 5th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Via Sistina (9-10) at Curragh 1m 2f Grp 1 fll stks (1) gd in Jul.

Mqse De Sevigne (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) won at Deauville 1m Grp 1 stks sft in Jul beating Life In Motion (9-4) by shd, 9 ran.

Valpolicella (GER) 22-1 (9-0) won at Hannover 1m 2f gd in May beating Greym (9-0) by 3/4l, 10 ran.