The action on Tuesday spans both sides of the English Channel, with Sky Sports Racing turning its lenses toward four notable venues: Chantilly in France, and the British courses at Yarmouth, Southwell and Lingfield. While each track offers its own storylines, the centerpiece of the day's programme is set to be the Listed Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly, a race that will feature five runners, two of whom are already making headlines as participants in the French Derby, also known as the Prix du Jockey Club. The two French Derby hopefuls are Montreal and Dolmalan, and their presence adds a layer of intrigue to an otherwise modestly‑priced contest. To understand the significance of this meeting, it helps to look back at last year’s edition of the Prix de Suresnes.
The winner, Nitoi, used the victory as a springboard into the Prix du Jockey Club, while the runner‑up, Leffard, and the fourth‑placed Azimpour also followed the same path, targeting the French classic. Even the third‑placed horse, New Ground, earned a spot in the Epsom Derby, demonstrating how this Listed race can serve as a stepping‑stone for future Group‑level performers.
Juwelier, who finished fifth, later proved his stamina by finishing second in the Saratoga Derby, further underscoring the quality that can emerge from this event. Turning to the home‑grown entries, the Aga Khan Studs have entered a promising colt named Dolmalan. The young horse arrives at Chantilly with a perfect record—two wins from two starts—including a recent victory on the same course, suggesting he thrives on the undulating, grass‑covered track. Dolmalan’s pedigree and early form have already attracted attention from punters and analysts alike, and his connections will be hoping he can continue his upward trajectory in a field that includes several experienced campaigners.
Montreal, the other French Derby hopeful, brings a different narrative. Trained by the renowned Aidan O'Brien, the colt is currently priced at 16/1 for the Betfred Derby, indicating that he is regarded as a genuine outsider with the potential to upset the established order. Montreal’s inclusion in the Prix de Suresnes is a strategic move by his team, allowing him to gain valuable experience against older horses and to test his stamina ahead of the longer, more demanding classic distance.
If he can perform well at Chantilly, it would bolster his credentials and perhaps earn him a more favorable line in the betting markets for the Derby. Also on the card is Martagny, a stablemate of Leffard, who brings the most race experience of the field with two wins already to his name.
His familiarity with the course and his proven ability to handle the pace make him a solid contender, especially in a race where tactics often dictate the outcome. Meanwhile, Lady Mariko steps into a £13,000 handicap with a clear upward trajectory.
She has recently been assigned a six‑pound penalty after a convincing win at Kempton, where she displayed a strong finishing kick. Earlier this month, she secured her third career victory in a plate race, guided by jockey James Doyle.
Throughout that contest she was prominent, extended well in the straight, and crossed the line with ease, prompting the handicapper to raise her rating from 74 to 80. This increase makes her today's assignment more challenging, but also suggests she is now being judged as a higher‑class performer. The remaining runners in the Prix de Suresnes are generally less form‑filled, but Bridget's View, rated at 86, offers a point of interest.
She claimed a win in December, and that performance was notable because she defeated Stateira, a mare who subsequently triumphed at the All‑Weather Finals Day, capturing the Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships at Newcastle. Bridget's View’s ability to beat a future champion adds a layer of credibility to her chances, even if she has not been in the spotlight lately. The third race on the day's card is the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap, featuring Eternal Solace against ten rivals.
Eternal Solace is a daughter of Tasleet and remains relatively unexposed, having contested only eight starts and secured two wins. One of those victories came at Brighton, while the other was recorded in October of the previous year over the same distance and course as today’s race. Although she has not won recently, she finished a respectable second in the All‑Weather 3‑Year‑Old Championships at Newcastle earlier in the month, indicating she possesses the class to compete in a handicap setting. Another notable entrant is Bone Marra, who is carrying a five‑pound penalty after winning at Wolverhampton in November.
A winter break can often be beneficial for a horse’s development, allowing it to mature physically and mentally. Bone Marra’s connections will be hoping that the time off translates into improved performance, making him a potential threat in the field. Lastly, the card includes Comprador, a full sister to Trillium, the winner of the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster. While Comprador herself is a three‑race maiden, she is stepping up into a handicap for the first time.
Her pedigree suggests she may possess the speed and stamina required to compete, and her debut in a handicap will be closely watched by those looking for emerging talent. Overall, Tuesday’s racing offers a blend of established talent, rising stars, and promising newcomers across both French and British venues. The Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly stands out as a pivotal race for French Derby aspirants, providing a platform for horses like Montreal and Dolmalan to test themselves against seasoned competitors.
Meanwhile, the British handicaps at Yarmouth, Southwell and Lingfield showcase a variety of horses looking to climb the rankings, earn higher ratings, and perhaps secure a place in future stakes races. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the day promises a rich tapestry of narratives, from classic‑contending prospects to underdogs seeking to make a name for themselves on the track.