The Tuesday racing schedule promises high‑quality action on both sides of the English Channel, with Sky Sports Racing turning its lenses toward four venues: Chantilly, Yarmouth, Southwell and Lingfield. While each track will deliver its own storylines, the centerpiece of the day appears to be the Listed Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly, a race that will see five runners line up, including two notable entrants from this year’s Prix du Jockey Club, commonly known as the French Derby – Montreal and Dolmalan. Last year’s edition of the Prix de Suresnes proved a useful springboard for several promising horses.
The winner, Nitoi, earned a spot in the French Derby, while the runner‑up, Leffard, and the fourth‑placed Azimpour also secured entries into that prestigious contest. The third‑placed horse, New Ground, went on to contest the Epsom Derby, underscoring the race’s reputation as a stepping‑stone for future classic contenders. Juwelier, who finished fifth, later traveled to the United States and captured second place in the Saratoga Derby, further illustrating the international relevance of this French listed event. Turning to the home‑grown talent, the Aga Khan Stud will be looking to add another star to its impressive roster with the colt Dolmalan.
The young horse arrives at Chantilly unbeaten in two starts, having most recently secured a victory on this very course. His flawless record and the backing of a world‑renowned breeding operation make him a strong candidate for the day’s top honors.
Montreal, the second French Derby hopeful in the field, offers a different narrative. Trained by the legendary Aidan O’Brien, the colt is already being mentioned in classic‑race conversations, currently listed at 16/1 for the Betfred Derby at Epsom.
If he can translate his proven ability over middle distances to the Chantilly track, he could very well announce himself as a serious classic prospect. Also featuring are the well‑seasoned Martagny, who shares ownership with Leffard’s connections. Martagny brings two victories to the race and the experience that often proves decisive in a tightly contested Listed event.
Meanwhile, the mare Lady Mariko enters the £13,000 handicap on an upward trajectory. After a convincing win at Kempton, she was assigned a six‑pound penalty, moving her rating from 74 to 80. This adjustment makes her task today more challenging, but her recent form – highlighted by a third career win earlier in the month with James Doyle aboard – suggests she has the class to handle the extra weight. The rest of the field may appear less polished, yet there are a few noteworthy names.
Bridget’s View, rated 86, has shown a spark of quality by defeating Stateira in December. Stateira, in turn, later captured the Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships at Newcastle’s All‑Weather Finals Day, indicating that Bridget’s View’s victory was no fluke. Her presence adds depth to the contest and could produce an upset if she repeats that performance.
Moving beyond Chantilly, the third race on the card is the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap, featuring Eternal Solace against ten rivals. This daughter of Tasleet is still relatively untested, having only eight starts to her name, but she has already claimed two wins – one at Brighton and another in October on a course and distance identical to today’s race. Although she has not won recently, she finished second in the All‑Weather 3‑Year‑Old Championships at Newcastle earlier in the month, indicating she is in good form and capable of competing at a higher level.
Another intriguing entrant is Bone Marra, who will be carrying a five‑pound penalty after a win at Wolverhampton in November. A winter break often helps a horse mature, and the added weight suggests the handicapper believes his recent performance merits a higher rating. Expect Bone Marra to be a dangerous challenger, especially if he returns refreshed after the off‑season. Lastly, the field includes Comprador, a full‑brother to Trillium, the winner of the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.
While Comprador is still a maiden after three attempts, this race marks her first foray into a handicap, and her pedigree hints at latent ability. If she can tap into the talent that produced her successful sibling, she could surprise the more seasoned runners. In summary, Tuesday’s racing programme offers a blend of proven talent, emerging prospects, and seasoned campaigners across four venues. The Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly stands out as the day’s marquee event, with French Derby hopefuls Montreal and Dolmalan poised to test each other and the rest of the field.
Their performances could shape the narrative for the upcoming classic season, while the supporting races at Yarmouth, Southwell and Lingfield provide additional stories of horses seeking to climb the ranks, return from winter breaks, or make their handicap debuts. Fans of Sky Sports Racing will have plenty to watch, from tactical battles on the turf to potential breakthrough runs that could echo through the rest of the racing calendar.