Talismanic Back in Europe for Prix Gontaut-Biron

Godolphin has few more popular horses worldwide than Talismanic, who resumes racing following a short break in the Aug. 15 Prix Gontaut-Biron (G3) over 2,000 meters (approximately 10 furlongs) at Deauville.

His last four starts have been in four different countries—America, Hong Kong, France, and the U.A.E (Dubai).

He famously won the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar in November, then finished second in the Longines Hong Kong Vase (G1) at Sha Tin in December, won a conditions race on the all-weather at Chantilly in March, followed by a disappointing ninth in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) at Meydan 25 days later.

Talismanic will faces six rivals in the Gontaut-Biron—his first start in four and a half months—and trainer André Fabre is hoping to learn more about the 5-year-old's current level of fitness.

"He has his first start after a short holiday following the trip to Dubai," said Fabre. "He's well and happy in himself but he can be a bit lazy at home, so we'll know a bit more after the race."

The trainer will also send Godolphin's Wren's Day, who comes to the race off the back of an excellent second to Cracksman in the Prix Ganay-Prix de l'Inauguration de Parislongchamp (G1).

"He had a hard race in the Ganay, and he really needed time to recover," Fabre said. "But he appears to be in good form and hopefully he'll run well here."

The Chris Wall-trained First Sitting, who won the Gontaut-Biron last year, is in opposition, together with Subway Dancer and Alignement, last year's fourth- and fifth-placed runners, respectively.

The Guillame d'Ornano (G2), over a mile and a quarter, features the reappearance of QIPCO Prix du Jockey-Club (G1) winner Study of Man and his runner-up Patascoy. Seven have been declared.

English visitors are the John Gosden-trained Crossed Baton and the Harry Dunlop-trained Knight To Behold, the listed Betfred Derby Trial winner.

Fabre will saddle Gyllen for Godolphin. The progressive Medaglia d'Oro  colt is entitled to be in contention following his recent win in the Prix Eugene Adam (Grand Prix de Maisons-Lafitte, G2).

"He's a lovely, honest colt, who tries his hardest," Fabre said. "He ran a very game race last time, and he'll need to have shown some improvement if he is to win again here."