06-05-2025
Kind draw key to Gosden French Guineas hopes with Detain
The son of Wootton Bassett impressed on the all-weather at two before a below-par display in the Doncaster mud rounded off his juvenile campaign.
But after a winning return at Chelmsford in the Cardinal Stakes, the talented colt is now back on the Classic trail and is one of 21 contenders to stand their ground for the ParisLongchamp Classic.
'He's in good form and is French Guineas-bound,' said Gosden, who trains the colt alongside son Thady.
'That's where we plan to send him, and I think the track will suit him.'
He added: 'The only thing about the French Guineas is, well just please draw a single number, because if you get from 10 out to 16 or 18, you may as well trot back.
'I used to walk the track every year with Frankie (Dettori) and if you ever stand at the start over a mile at Longchamp, you'll see what happens to the track, it immediately turns right downhill, and you have to stay straight. Those on the inside have already taken two lengths out of you and it can be a problem, the mile start at Longchamp.'
Detain might not be the only Juddmonte-owned colt crossing the Channel for action in the French capital, with Andrew Balding's impressive Greenham Stakes winner Jonquil still in the mix.
'Hopefully the rain stays away from Longchamp and he seems in good form,' said Balding.
'We were expecting a good run at Newbury and he's been working like a high-class horse.'
Other potential challengers from the UK include Aomori City from Charlie Appleby's in-form team, Charlie Fellowes' Luther – who was not far behind Detain at Chelmsford – and Peter Chapple-Hyam's Harvey.
Brian Meehan's Rashabar misses the race, however.
Aidan O'Brien has left in Rock Of Cashel, Henri Matisse, Officer, a winner at the Curragh on Monday, Serengeti and Camille Pissarro, while Jessica Harrington's Hotazhell is another potential runner.
There are 16 left in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, with O'Brien able to choose from Bedtime Story, Exactly, Merrily and Heavens Gate.
Ollie Sangster, second and third in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, has left in Celestial Orbit, with Zanzoun another big player for the Gosdens and Fellowes set to field Shes Perfect.
Vertical Blue and Zarigana form part of the home team.
