Trip to Ireland on the agenda for Arc runner-up Aventure after returning in style in Group 3

In a Group 3 named after a French heroine of the 1970s – and one who bounced back from defeat in the Arc at three to claim it a year later – Aventure made a near-perfect return on her first start since chasing home Bluestocking in Europe's most valuable Flat race. 

Trainer Christophe Ferland had chosen the ten furlongs of the Prix Allez France as a suitable comeback for Aventure ahead of a potential return to a mile and a half in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, but such was the ease of her success that a change of plan and a shot at the Curragh's Pretty Polly Stakes over the shorter trip will now be considered. 

"On that evidence the Curragh against her own sex now comes into the reckoning, because we could look at keeping her to 2,000 metres [ten furlongs]," said Ferland. "She has grown and strengthened over the winter and while she is quite lightly made, she has muscled up through her shoulder and behind."

Coral left Aventure unchanged at 16-1 for the Arc in October. 

Nocturne nails it

Presage Nocturne produced the most important win of his career when edging a three-way drive to the line in the Group 3 Prix de Barbeville.

Presage Nocturne builds on 4th in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Handicap to claim victory in the G3 Prix de Barbeville

Last seen when a fine fourth in the Red Sea Handicap at Riyadh in February, the improving stayer edged ahead of longtime-leader Internaute and the fast-finishing Candelari to set up a crack at some of the major staying prizes at home or abroad.

"I was quite confident beforehand because he seemed so well, but they only hacked and, although he can sprint, it wasn't ideal for him," said trainer Alessandro Botti.

"We have several options now, and he could go to America or else target the new Group 1 here [the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier]. He has never stopped improving."

Surabad on song

Surabad made it three wins from five starts when denying Croquis in the Listed Prix de l'Avre for the Aga Khan Studs, Francis Graffard and Mickael Barzalona, earning a free supplementary entry to the Grand Prix de Paris back at the track on July 13. 

Surabad and Mickael Barzalona after winning the Prix de l'AvreCredit: Racing Post/Burton

"He doesn't have an enormous turn of foot but he's a really handy horse who you can park anywhere in a race and who is very honest," said the Aga Khan Studs' racing manager Nemone Routh. "Mickael had to keep him up to his work once he hit the front but he's done it well."

The Prix du Lys at Chantilly on Prix de Diane day is an obvious stepping stone, but Routh wouldn't commit to that plan, given the Aga Khan Studs have several other horses who could take that route.

Read more...

Andre Fabre reveals big summer plans for Sosie after beaten Arc favourite returns with a bang in first European Group 1 of the year 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.