The Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Longchamp looks a high-quality renewal with a fascinating clash between proven Group 1 juveniles and several progressive spring improvers. Run over a mile on soft ground, this year’s French Guineas could develop into a tactical affair where track position and proven handling of testing conditions become crucial.

Aidan O’Brien’s Puerto Rico sets the standard on form. The son of Wootton Bassett signed off his juvenile campaign with back-to-back Group 1 victories, including the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère over this course and on very soft ground. That experience around Longchamp is a major positive and his prominent racing style should allow Ryan Moore to secure a handy early position. O’Brien’s horses have been running strongly in recent weeks, so a big return from his stable star would be no surprise.

The chief threat may come from Komorebi, who looked a colt progressing rapidly when winning the Prix de Fontainebleau over course and distance last month. Representing André Fabre and partnered by William Buick, he travelled powerfully before asserting late and shapes like a colt capable of further improvement. The only slight concern is whether very testing ground would blunt his turn of foot.

Nighttime also enters calculations after finishing second to Komorebi on his reappearance. His two-year-old form ties in closely with Puerto Rico, but stall 13 could make life difficult if he is forced wide early.

Among the unbeaten or unexposed contenders, Rayif is particularly interesting. The Aga Khan colt was highly regarded at two and shaped with promise when third in the Lagardère behind Puerto Rico and Nighttime. A mile should suit him well and he remains open to significant improvement at three.

With proven class, course form and soft-ground ability all carrying extra importance, Puerto Rico remains the most solid option in a deep and competitive Classic.