Fractional Steps Up In Ganay
Fractional races at Group One level for the first time in the Prix Ganay over an extended mile and a quarter at Longchamp, France, on Sunday, May 3.
Time/Date - 16.10hrs local time/Sunday, May 3, 2015 Racecourse/Country - Longchamp/France
Surface/Distance - Turf/1m 2f 110y
Fractional races at Group One level for the first time in the Prix Ganay over an extended mile and a quarter at Longchamp, France, on Sunday, May 3.
The Andre Fabre-trained six-year-old faded to ninth behind Al Kazeem on heavy ground at the same course in the 10-furlong Group Two Prix d'Harcourt on April 6.
He was fifth behind subsequent Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World winner Solow on his first start of the year in a mile conditions race on Polytrack at Chantilly on March 3.
Fractional ended a progressive 2014 with victory in the Group Two QNB Prix Dollar over just shy of 10 furlongs at Longchamp in October, when he finished a head behind Cirrus Des Aigles but was awarded the race by the stewards following interference.
That was the son of Manduro's fourth straight success following a hat-trick of impressive wins including a length verdict in the Group Three La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte over 10 furlongs at Maisons-Laffitte.
Maxime Guyon, who partnered Fractional at Maisons-Laffitte, takes the ride again.
Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: "Fractional always takes a few races to find his form and we are hopeful of an improvement on his two runs this year.
"It looks a very tough Prix Ganay and he has quite a bit to find on form and ratings with several horses in the field.
"If Fractional can discover his best form of last year, then he should be competitive and finish in the frame."
Fractional opposes six rivals including multiple Group One winners Cirrus Des Aigles, Al Kazeem and We Are, plus Grand Prix de Paris second Prince Gibraltar.
Cutlass Bay won the Prix Ganay for Godolphin in 2010.
Fractional winning the Prix du Pont au Change at Longchamp © Scoop Dyga
