Cirrus Des Aigles' absence has taken a little of the gloss of this as he would almost certainly have been a strong favourite but it gives the opportunity for others to shine. California Memory had a number of these on his heels when landing a Group 2 over C&D three weeks ago but that was a muddling race in which barely two lengths covered the first eight home and the form may not be that reliable. Carlton House has his last race for Sir Michael Stoute and could figure, however, as he's back over his best trip while the eight-year-old Alcopop is in good form and won a decent contest at Flemington last month. GIOFRA has had a good season, her only disappointment coming when favourite on quicker ground at Deauville in August. A repeat of her latest third in the Prix de L'Opera may well suffice here though German challenger Feuerblitz is also feared and Saonois could go close granted luck in-running.
