Solow is set to grace Royal Ascot after coming out well on top of Cirrus Des Aigles in a clash of superstar geldings in the Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp.
The Freddy Head-trained Dubai Turf winner Solow travelled in third as Gailo Chop took the runners along in the four-runner event, with Cirrus Des Aigles tracking him.
As the race got serious at the top of the home straight, Gailo Chop still held the upper hand two furlongs (400m) out but Maxime Guyon always cut a confident figure on Solow and smoothly picked up the leader at the furlong pole.
Cirrus Des Aigles was last of the four and it subsequently emerged he had broken his off-hind shoe during the race.
Paddy Power trimmed Solow to 6-4 favourite (from 7-4) for the Queen Anne Stakes, and Head confirmed a trip to England was on the agenda.
“He won very well and I believe he is a champion. He is something special, for sure,” Head said.
“I think the stiff mile at Ascot will be fine for him and any ground is OK.”
It was a memorable afternoon in Paris for Head as he also claimed the other Group One prize of the afternoon, the Pour Moi Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary, with Queen’s Jewel.
Head said Queen’s Jewel would now head to the Prix Diane (French Oaks).
