The Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp looks a particularly strong renewal this year, with several high-class juvenile fillies returning alongside a handful of progressive French trial winners. Run over a mile on soft ground, this Classic is likely to place as much emphasis on tactical positioning as outright stamina, especially given the lack of confirmed front-running pace in the field.

The standout on form is undoubtedly Diamond Necklace, Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten daughter of St Mark’s Basilica. She produced one of the best juvenile fillies’ performances seen in Europe last season when landing the Prix Marcel Boussac over this course and distance, beating both Green Spirit and Narissa in the process. Drawn well in stall 3 and partnered by Ryan Moore, she sets a clear standard despite returning from a winter break. O’Brien has not won this race for many years, but this filly possesses the profile of a genuine top-class performer.

Narissa appeals strongly as the main danger. Francis Graffard’s filly shaped extremely well on her seasonal return when second over course and distance behind Evolutionist, form that has worked out nicely since. She handles soft ground, has tactical speed and arrives race-fit, all important assets in a potentially steadily-run Group 1.

Green Spirit also commands respect despite a disappointing reappearance in the Prix de la Grotte. Her two-year-old form was excellent and she chased home Diamond Necklace in the Marcel Boussac, although stall 15 could make life difficult tactically.

Among the possible improvers, Showna and The Last Dance are worth noting. Both arrive off impressive French wins and remain relatively unexposed at this level.

Overall, proven Group 1 form may prove decisive, and Diamond Necklace looks the filly they all have to beat.