Godolphin prospects bright in both French Guineas

Godolphin three-year-olds Wootton and Musis Amica are strong contenders for Guineas honours at Paris Longchamp on Sunday.

Henri-Alex Pantall saddles talented colt Wootton in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, and the unbeaten son of Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj) is expected to acquit himself well.

On the same card, Andre Fabre sends out Musis Amica (Dawn Approach) for the G1 Poule d”Essai des Pouliches, the fillies’ equivalent, with the trainer reporting her to be at the top of her game.

This weekend’s racing marks the return of the early French Classics to Paris following a two-year absence while construction of a new grandstand was carried out.

The last two runnings of both the French 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas took place at Deauville.

Godolphin colours have been carried to victory three times in the G1 French 2,000 Guineas (Poulains) — Vettori (1995), Bachir (2000) and Shamardal (2005) all triumphed — while Sheikh Mohammed’s Soviet Star (1987) won in his maroon and white silks.

Pantall has given an upbeat report about Wootton, who seems to be gaining in strength and confidence.

“Wootton is in top order,” Pantall said. “He worked very well on Tuesday and he has improved at home since his prep race (for the Guineas). I couldn’t be happier with him.

“He appears to be at his optimum racing weight,” he added. The colt faces 10 rivals, including the G1 Dewhurst Stakes winner US Navy Flag and the smart Olmedo. Fabre, too, is optimistic that Musis Amica can make an impact in the fillies’ division. The G3 Prix de la Grotte winner has drawn 10 in a field of 14.

“She comes into the race in great form,” Fabre said. “She is a progressive filly, who handles the track well.

“She lacks a bit of experience compared to some of the others, but she should give a good account of herself.” he added.

Coeur de Beaute, winner of the G3 Prix Imprudence, is one of the principal dangers.