RACING/FRENCH DERBY:ONLY ONCE in the last 14 years has Aidan O'Brien not tried to win the French Derby but tomorrow's €1.5 million Chantilly highlight remains frustratingly elusive to the Ballydoyle team, something they hope to change with Imperial Monarch.
Westphalia’s third in 2009 is the closest the champion trainer has come to Prix Du Jockey Club success but Imperial Monarch is a leading player in the 20-strong field and crucially has been given a good draw in stall nine.
Joseph O’Brien will be able to ride a race from there, although it may not be as spectacular as the wide-route he took on the colt when winning Sandown’s Classic Trial in April.
There are three British hopefuls including the Dante runner-up Ektihaam but the local favourite is set to be the Aga Khan’s Prix Greffulhe winner Kesampour.
“There is some rain forecast, but he handles softer ground well and even if it ends up being faster ground, I think he should be fine,” Kesampour’s trainer Mikel Delzangles said yesterday.
“He is drawn in stall five, which I am very pleased with. It is very important not to be drawn too wide at Chantilly, so I’m happy,” he added.
The Jockey Club is due off at 3.15 Irish time tomorrow afternoon.
