Surface Condition Key for Many Prix d'Ispahan Runners

The arrival of a very belated Paris spring looks set to play a major role May 30 in the outcome of a competitive Prix d'Ispahan (G1). The race features several horses whose fortunes may rise or sink depending on conditions. 

Wet weather has dominated most of May and Thursday evening's meeting was run on ground described as very soft, or 4.0 on the penetrometer.

That was revised to 3.8 by Friday morning and with temperatures in the French capital topping 20 degrees (68° F) on Friday and no more rain forecast, the question is how quickly it will dry out.

For Skalleti  and The Revenant  to perform at their very best, ParisLongchamp will need to retain as much moisture as possible, while for the Charlie Hills-trained Tilsit , the sun needs to do its absolute best. Compatriot My Oberon  also looks to be a horse that thrives on top of the ground.

"I'm hoping it's going to be dry because that will work against The Revenant and Skalleti and will be in our favor," trainer William Haggas said of My Oberon's chances. "He's got quite a bit to find but nothing ventured, nothing gained. We're never going to win group 1 races if we don't run."

This intermediate trip brings Skalleti and The Revenant together for the first time and, assuming there is still some juice in the ground, race tactics could be important, since Skalleti is a horse that needs holding up. The Revenant has run well enough in two starts this season when the ground probably favored some of his opposition, and he looks ready for the slightly longer trip. 

The all-the-way success of Mare Australis  in the Prix Ganay (G1)—a horse Skaletti beat three weeks earlier—was ample evidence that coming from off the pace when the fractions are unspectacular is tough.

Against that, Skalleti is unbeaten in four runs at ParisLongchamp and has only twice been pitched into group 1 company.

"I don't regret missing the Ganay with him," said Jérôme Reynier, trainer of Skalleti. "He'd had two quick trips up to Paris to take advantage of his favored soft ground and it quickened up before that race. I think he'd have found it hard to come from behind the way the race played out on that ground. It will be quicker than ideal again but he's in very good form so we'll give it a try. Victor Ludorum looks the horse to beat whereas The Revenant and ourselves will find it tough to give their best form on this ground."

Victor Ludorum  might have a pinch more class on his very best days as he bids to emulate Persian King in winning this race at 4, having won the 2020 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains (G1) and placed in the Prix du Jockey Club.

There was plenty to like about his comeback and if he settles he will be a big threat.

"I was happy with the way he finished on his return and he had a good blow after a long break over the winter," said trainer André Fabre. "He will have improved and I think I made a mistake in running him over a bit too far, but this trip should suit him."