The action this Tuesday stretches across the English Channel, with Sky Sports Racing turning its lenses toward four distinct venues: Chantilly, Yarmouth, Southwell and Lingfield. While each track offers its own storyline, the centerpiece of the day appears to be the Listed Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly, where a modest field of five horses will line up.
Among those five are two promising entrants from the French Derby (Prix du Jockey Club) campaign – Montreal and Dolmalan – making the race a focal point for anyone tracking the classic season. Last year’s edition of the Prix de Suresnes produced a string of useful performers who went on to contest major events.
The winner, Nitoi, earned a spot in the following year's Prix du Jockey Club, while the runner‑up Leffard and the fourth‑placed Azimpour also secured entries in the French classic. Even the third‑placed New Ground was later aimed at the Epsom Derby, illustrating how this Listed contest can act as a springboard for future stars. Juwelier, who finished fifth, later proved his stamina by taking second in the Saratoga Derby, underscoring the quality that can emerge from this race. Turning to the home side, the Aga Khan Studs have a hot prospect in Dolmalan.
The colt is unbeaten in his first two starts and arrives at Chantilly fresh off a victory on the same course, suggesting he is primed for another strong performance. Dolmalan’s pedigree and early form make him a genuine contender for the day’s honors. Equally intriguing is Montreal, a runner from the renowned Aidan O'Brien stable.
Although still a relative newcomer, Montreal has already attracted attention in the classic betting markets, currently listed at 16/1 for the Betfred Derby. A solid showing in the Prix de Suresnes could cement his reputation and perhaps persuade his connections to target the English classic later in the season. Also featured is Martagny, another representative of the owners who campaigned Leffard last year.
Martagny brings the most experience of the field, having already recorded two wins, and will look to add another success to his résumé. The £13,000 handicap also includes Lady Mariko, a mare who has been on an upward trajectory. She recently earned a six‑pound penalty after a convincing win at Kempton, where she secured her third career victory and first since July. In that race, she was prominent throughout, extended well in the finish, and was eased down by jockey James Doyle.
The handicapper has responded by raising her rating from 74 to 80, making today’s assignment considerably more challenging for her. Beyond the front‑runners, the remaining entries are largely out of form, but Bridget's View, rated 86, offers a glimmer of intrigue. She captured a win in December, defeating Stateira – a filly who subsequently triumphed on All‑Weather Finals Day and captured the Fillies' and Mares' Championships at Newcastle.
Bridget's View’s recent form suggests she could be a dark horse if she finds her rhythm. 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 made only eight career starts, but she has already notched two wins – one at Brighton and another in October of last year over the same course and distance as 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 remains competitive at this level.
Also worth mentioning is Bone Marra, who is stepping up five pounds after a win at Wolverhampton in November. A winter break often helps a horse mature, and Bone Marra is expected to improve, potentially making him a dangerous contender in the handicap. Finally, there is Comprador, a full sibling to Trillium, the winner of the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.
Comprador is a three‑race maiden making her first appearance in a handicap. Despite her lack of experience, her close relation to a Group‑level winner adds a layer of interest for punters looking for value. Overall, Tuesday’s programme offers a blend of established talent and emerging prospects. The Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly, in particular, serves as a crucial stepping stone for horses eyeing the French Derby and possibly the English classic later in the season.
With the Aga Khan colt Dolmalan unbeaten, O'Brien’s Montreal priced as a Derby hopeful, and several seasoned handicappers looking to improve their ratings, the day promises a mix of tactical battles and potential breakthroughs. Meanwhile, the supporting races at Yarmouth, Southwell and Lingfield provide additional opportunities for up‑and‑coming horses to showcase their abilities and for bettors to find value in the odds. All eyes will be on Chantilly, where the quality of the field and the stakes involved could shape the narrative of the classic campaign for weeks to come.