Connections of Tin Horse are exuding confidence ahead of the colt’s quest for a Classic double at Chantilly on Sunday.
Trained by the unheralded Didier Guillemin, the grey son of Sakhee aims to follow up his French 2000 Guineas triumph in the Prix du Jockey Club.
Runner-up in last season’s Prix Morny and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, Tin Horse had been under consideration for a clash with Frankel in the St James’s Palace Stakes since his deeply impressive success last month.
He will, however, instead channel his powers into landing the Prix du Jockey Club, France’s equivalent of the Epsom Derby.
Gilles Forien, racing manager for owner Marquesa de Moratalla, said: “He’s never had any experience of running in England and I think the longer trip in France might be better for him.
“There is a lot of money on offer in Chantilly and it’s a good race for him.
“He finished his serious work on Tuesday morning, which went very well, and he’s in top form.
“He’s a very good horse who will win more races.
“It is also very exciting for his trainer as this is a new venture for him.
“We think he should go very well.”
The French Derby represents a brisk turnaround for Tin Horse – the Guineas was on May 12 – but he is unlikely to be seen until the autumn after the weekend.
“I think we will stop with the horse for a little bit after the Prix du Jockey Club and then return in the autumn in France or England,” Forien said.
“He won’t be going to America.”
PA AAP TURF
