John Gosden Sends Out Two in Bid for Saint-Cloud Win

Last year's runner-up, Coronet, attempts to go one better in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) June 30, in which the John Gosden-trained mare and stablemate Lah Ti Dar feature among five British-trained runners in the seven-strong field.

Coronet has been kept in training this season in a bid to win a group 1, and this edition of the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud looks weaker than when she was narrowly denied by Waldgeist 12 months ago.

The 5-year-old, who is the choice of Frankie Dettori, has been seen just once this year when finishing fourth to Communique in the Roaring Lion Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Newmarket, in which subsequent group 1 winner Defoe was second.

Coronet may well have needed the run that day but has been thriving in her recent work alongside Lah Ti Dar.

Lah Ti Dar, who was a late absentee from the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot, could not handle the undulations at Epsom when last seen, disappointing when crossing the line in sixth in the Investec Coronation Cup (G1).

The 4-year-old is also out to grab a first top-level win and went mighty close last year when runner-up in the William Hill St. Leger Stakes (G1) and third in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1).

In an attempt to minimize the effects of the heat wave in France, Gosden's pair traveled across June 28, and the trainer said: "Obviously, it's going to be hot over there, and both fillies are already at the track having traveled through the night on Friday.

"It's a pity they have to run against each other, but the objective is to win a group 1. They are both in good form, and the management do a good job with the ground, so hopefully it won't be too quick despite the temperatures."

Brits have Three More Bites at the Cherry

Thundering Blue, Aspetar, and Marmelo are also in the mix for the Brits, with Marmelo another who traveled overnight to France on Friday.

The 6-year-old often runs abroad but has had his first two outings of the season on home turf, kicking off with a win in a group 3 at Newbury.

Marmelo then ran a decent fifth at this level in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Trainer Hughie Morrison said: "Realistically, looking at the weather, the ground will probably be a bit quick for him, but he enjoys going left-handed and the uphill finish should also suit him.

"He's effective at a mile and a half, and he's not as slow as everyone thinks."

Aspetar, trained by Roger Charlton, accounted for the re-opposing French colt Ziyad in the Grand Prix de Chantilly (G2) last time.

Thundering Blue completes the British team for Frenchman David Menuisier and was last seen finishing third in a listed contest at Goodwood last month.

Morgan Heads Home Team

Heading the home defense is likely favorite Morgan Le Faye, who continues her renaissance as a leading middle-distance performer.

The 5-year-old Shamardal mare has excelled since being dropped back in trip by trainer André Fabre, winning all three starts this year, including an emphatic two-length victory in the Prix Corrida (G2) over 10 1/2 furlongs at this venue last month.

Morgan Le Faye has yet to score at group 1 level but has finished third on her two previous attempts in the Qatar Prix du Cadran and Prix Royal-Oak last year.

Lisa-Jane Graffard, spokeswoman for Godolphin, said: "Morgan Le Faye came out of the Prix Corrida in great form, hence the decision to aim her at this group 1.

"After winning a group 3 and a group 2 this year, she deserves to step up to this level, and we're looking forward to seeing how she gets on.

"She has been winning over shorter distances this season but has run well over further in the past, so racing over a mile and a half shouldn't pose any issues.

"If she runs up to her best, she will have a great chance. She will need to improve slightly if she's to win, though."