Ryan Moore will need all of his big-race experience at Chantilly on Sunday after Constitution River was handed a difficult draw for the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt has been one of the most talked-about three-year-olds in Europe this spring and remains a leading contender for France’s version of the Derby. However, his task became much more complicated when he came up with barrier 15 in a field of 16.
It is a draw that immediately changed the complexion of the race. The Prix du Jockey Club is run over 2100 metres at Chantilly, where position and rhythm can be crucial, and recent history shows how difficult it can be to win from a wide alley. No horse has won the French Classic from a double-figure draw since New Bay in 2015, which underlines the challenge now facing Constitution River.
Bookmakers reacted quickly after the barrier draw, with Constitution River eased slightly in some markets. While he still holds favouritism, the wide gate has added a tactical layer to what already looked a competitive renewal.
O’Brien has made it clear that the early stages will be left to Moore, who will need to assess the speed of the race and make quick decisions once the gates open. A lower draw may have created the risk of being boxed in, but from stall 15 the problem is very different. Moore must now decide whether to press forward, look for cover, or take his medicine and hope the colt can settle before producing his best late.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact Constitution River will be racing right-handed around a bend for the first time. He has already shown his quality with a strong victory in the Dee Stakes at Chester, but Chantilly presents a new test. Chester is tight, flat and turning, while the Prix du Jockey Club is a more demanding race that often exposes any weakness in balance, stamina or race craft.
Even so, there is no doubt the Ballydoyle team hold Constitution River in very high regard. The son of Wootton Bassett has long been viewed as one of O’Brien’s most talented middle-distance colts, and his Chester win suggested he has the pace and staying potential required for this type of contest. The decision to target Chantilly rather than the Epsom Derby also shows the stable believes this race is the right fit for his development.
O’Brien will also be represented by Hawk Mountain and Montreal, giving the stable a strong hand as it chases another major French Classic. Hawk Mountain brings Group 1 form into the race and arrives off a win in the Prix de Guiche, a recognised trial for the Prix du Jockey Club. He has drawn barrier 11, which is not ideal, but Christophe Soumillon takes the ride and the colt will wear blinkers as connections look to sharpen his focus after showing signs of greenness in his lead-up win.
Montreal, another Ballydoyle runner, has drawn more kindly in barrier eight. He was only narrowly beaten in the Prix de Suresnes and is reported to have continued improving since that performance. While he may not have the same profile as Constitution River, he gives O’Brien another genuine tactical option in the race.
The British and Irish challenge does not end there. Karl Burke’s Hankelow has been given an excellent opportunity from barrier one, with Clifford Lee booked to ride. He comes into the race after finishing third in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains and now steps up in trip with a draw that should allow him to secure a soft run.
John and Thady Gosden have also entered the picture with Oxagon, who was supplemented earlier in the week. His draw in stall three gives Oisin Murphy options, and his previous form suggests the extra distance could bring improvement. He won the Craven Stakes before finishing sixth in the 2000 Guineas, and this race now gives him the chance to prove he is more than just a miler.
There is also strong local interest. Dolmalan, one of two runners associated with the Aga Khan Studs, has drawn well in barrier six, while Daryzan will break from stall ten. Andre Fabre’s Komorebi, to be ridden by William Buick, has barrier seven after finishing runner-up to Rayif in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains. German runner Gostam, trained by Andreas Wohler and ridden by Billy Loughnane, also has a workable draw in stall five.
The final declarations confirmed that Ballydoyle outsiders Dorset and Endorsed would not take their place, while Peace Of Japan was also absent from the field.
For all the depth in the race, the central storyline remains Constitution River. He may be the most talented horse in the field, but the draw has turned this into a genuine test of class, temperament and tactical judgement. Moore will not have the luxury of a straightforward run from the gate, and the first few hundred metres could shape the entire race.
If Constitution River can overcome stall 15 and win, it would be a major statement. Not only would he justify the confidence from Ballydoyle, he would also defy a draw pattern that has proved difficult in the Prix du Jockey Club for more than a decade.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
