Pace / Draw Angles

On soft ground over 1900m at Longchamp, prominent positioning can be an advantage, particularly from mid-to-low draws when the pace isn’t strong. Sardinian Warrior, Sosie, and Horizon Dore are likely pace influencers here. Elmalka and Alcantor tend to be held up and could be vulnerable if the race becomes tactical.


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Strongest Contenders

Sosie (FR) [TFR 118] – 10/10
Andre Fabre-trained colt and Prix Ganay (Group 1) winner over this course in April. Drops slightly in trip here, but has the highest Timeform adjusted rating in the field. Represents top connections (Wertheimer & Frère) and proven in Group 1 company. Very strong chance.

Sardinian Warrior (IRE) [TFR 115] – 9/10
Unbeaten since debut, now 3-3 for the Gosdens. Took a Listed contest at Ascot in tidy fashion and shapes like he’ll relish this extra test on softer ground. Major player stepping up in grade. Draw 5 should offer tactical flexibility.


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Main Dangers

Alcantor [TFR 114] – 8/10
Proven at the level, having run with credit in both the Prix de Fontainebleau and Fred Darling Mile. Well suited by ground and trip. Fabre’s second string, but not to be dismissed.

Horizon Dore [TFR 118] – 8/10
Group winner and third in the Champion Stakes last season. Below form at Meydan but much better at Longchamp; however, softer going may blunt his finishing kick. Tied top Timeform rating with Sosie.


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Interesting Outsiders

Elmalka (GB) [TFR 112] – 7/10
Ran second in a Group 2 last time out and looks likely to improve. Handles cut, though the race makeup may not suit her usual patient style. Solid each-way profile if they go a strong gallop.

Caramelito [TFR 107] – 6/10
Often underrated and very consistent in French pattern company. Possibly lacks the gears of the top-rated but no ground concerns and is a fair Group 3/Listed yardstick.

Dare To Dream [TFR 108] – 5/10
Hard to fancy on recent evidence and appears outclassed at this level. Was well held in similar conditions and needs a career-best.


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Trainer Trends & Notes

Andre Fabre has won the Prix d’Ispahan multiple times and saddles two here (Sosie and Alcantor).

John & Thady Gosden have brought live raiders to Longchamp before and Sardinian Warrior has been placed well so far.

No runners are returning from layoffs of 90+ days – most are race-fit and active this spring.

Sprinters/milers stepping up (like Sardinian Warrior) can be dangerous when fresh and improving.



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Runner Ratings (out of 10)

Horse Trainer Timeform Rating Mark /10

Sosie A. Fabre 118 10
Sardinian Warrior J & T Gosden 115 9
Alcantor A. Fabre 114 8
Horizon Dore P. Cottier 118 8
Elmalka R. Varian 112 7
Caramelito F. Rohaut 107 6
Dare To Dream G. Hernon 108 5



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Tissue Estimate (100% Book)

Sosie – 2/1

Sardinian Warrior – 3/1

Horizon Dore – 6/1

Alcantor – 13/2

Elmalka – 10/1

Caramelito – 16/1

Dare To Dream – 33/1



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This year’s Prix d’Ispahan presents a strong renewal with two Fabre runners and a live Gosden-trained improver in the mix. Sosie sets the bar after his Prix Ganay win, but Sardinian Warrior is unexposed and progressive. A strong pace will suit closers like Alcantor and Elmalka, but the class edge lies with the top two. No each-way angle with 7 runners, but market support on Elmalka or Alcantor could prove informative.