Foundation set for French Derby

View from connections ahead of the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly on Sunday.

Foundation is reported in rude health ahead of his bid for French Derby glory at Chantilly on Sunday.

John Gosden’s colt won three times over a mile as a juvenile and despite suffering an odds-on defeat in the Racing Post Trophy, he was considered an Epsom Derby contender during the winter.

He was no match for Stormy Antarctic on his return to action in Newmarket’s Craven Stakes, though, and while he performed admirably to finish third behind Epsom-bound stable companion Wings Of Desire in the Dante at York, connections immediately stated their intention to stick to a mile and a quarter and head for France.

Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: “It is all systems go.

“He has been in very good form and is working very well. Frankie Dettori rode him in some work last week and he was delighted.

“As far as well-being and form coming into the race is concerned, John Gosden is happy with him.

“He ran a terrific race in the Dante and just got in a pocket. If he’d had a clear run it would have been a completely different picture. I am not saying he would have won but he would have finished closer.

“They have had some rain out there and that shouldn’t inconvenience him. Everyone that rides him feels that a mile and a quarter at this stage of his career is what he wants.

“You need a lot of luck in running in the Prix du Jockey Club and the cards have got to fall the right way, but he is an exciting …

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