The action this Tuesday spans both sides of the English Channel, with Sky Sports Racing turning its lenses toward four venues – Chantilly in France, and the British tracks at Yarmouth, Southwell and Lingfield. While each meeting offers its own intrigue, the centerpiece of the day is poised to be the Listed Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly. Five horses will line up for that contest, and among them are two prominent runners who have already earned places in the French Derby, also known as the Prix du Jockey Club – Montreal and Dolmalan. Last year’s edition of the Prix de Suresnes proved a useful springboard for several future classic hopefuls.
The winner, Nitoi, subsequently contested the Prix du Jockey Club, while the runner‑up Leffard and the fourth‑placed Azimpour also followed the same path. Even the third‑placed finisher, New Ground, went on to tackle the English Derby at Epsom.
Another participant, Juwelier, finished fifth and later secured a runner‑up spot in the Saratoga Derby, underscoring the race’s reputation as a stepping‑stone for high‑calibre three‑year‑olds. Turning to the French side, the Aga Khan Studs have a fresh prospect in Dolmalan. The colt arrives unbeaten, having captured his most recent start at Chantilly, and the stable hopes he will continue his upward trajectory.
Dolmalan’s pedigree and early form make him a tempting prospect for anyone watching the development of the next generation of classic runners. Equally intriguing is Montreal, a product of Aidan O’Brien’s yard. Though still a relative newcomer to the French scene, Montreal carries the weight of a potential classic campaign. At present, the betting market places him at 16/1 for the Betfred Derby, indicating that punters see him as a genuine outsider with the ability to upset the established order.
His appearance at the Prix de Suresnes will be a key indicator of whether he can translate his training ground promise into race‑day performance. Also featured is Martagny, another horse linked to the owners of Leffard. Martagny brings a modest résumé of two victories, making him the most experienced of the small field. His consistency could prove valuable in a race where experience often translates into composure under pressure.
Among the British entries, Lady Mariko steps up to a £13,000 handicap after a promising run at Kempton. She is carrying a six‑pound penalty for a previous win, but her recent form suggests she can handle the added burden.
Earlier this month, she notched her third career victory in a plate race with James Doyle aboard, staying prominently placed throughout and then accelerating to win comfortably. The handicapper has responded by raising her rating from 74 to 80, a move that makes her assigned weight a more challenging test, yet one she appears ready to meet. The rest of the Chantilly field is less distinguished, though Bridget’s View, rated 86, offers a glimmer of interest.
She secured a win in December, defeating Stateira – a mare who later triumphed in the Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships at Newcastle on All‑Weather Finals Day. That victory suggests Bridget’s View possesses a latent ability that could surface on the day. The third race on the card is the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap, featuring Eternal Solace against ten rivals.
Eternal Solace, a daughter of Tasleet, is still relatively untested, having made only eight starts and captured two wins – one at Brighton and another in October of the previous year over the same distance and course 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 in good form and could be a serious contender. Also worth noting is Bone Marra, who carries a five‑pound penalty after a win at Wolverhampton in November.
A winter break often benefits a horse’s development, and the added weight suggests confidence from connections that he will improve further and pose a genuine threat. Finally, there is Comprador, a full‑sibling to Trillium – the winner of the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster. Comprador is a three‑race maiden stepping into a handicap for the first time.
While inexperienced, her close familial link to a Group‑level winner adds an element of intrigue, and she may surprise the field if she can translate her pedigree into performance. Overall, Tuesday’s card offers a blend of established talent, emerging prospects, and seasoned campaigners.
The Prix de Suresnes will serve as a crucial gauge for the French Derby hopefuls, while the British handicaps provide a platform for horses like Lady Mariko and Eternal Solace to demonstrate their ability against solid opposition. Fans of classic racing will be watching closely, as the outcomes here could shape the narrative of the spring classic season on both sides of the Channel.