AFRICAN ROSE is firmly on the upgrade and can supplement her Sprint Cup win at Doncaster by scoring here. Criquette Head-Maarek's charge earlier chased home Marchand D'Or at Deauville and this seven-furlong trip will play to her strengths. 1000 Guineas heroine Natagora has not really gone on from her Newmarket triumph although the drop in trip could he in her favour. A bigger threat is Paco Boy, who was third in the Prix du Moulin last time. Richard Hannon's charge is even better over today's seven-furlong trip and his turn of foot is always a potent weapon. The Aidan O'Brien pair of Astronomer Royal and US Ranger have been exposed at the highest level but South African import Captain's Lover is a potential improver for Andre Fabre.
Welsh Emperor (IRE) (9-4) Led, driven and headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 5l behind Arabian Gleam (9-4) at Doncaster 7f Yorks Oaks (1) sft in Sept.
Duff (IRE) (9-11) Made all, ridden and clear 2f out, strongly pressed close home, all out, won at Cork 1m lst stk gs in Aug beating Mr Medici (9-1) by a shd, 11 ran.
Us Ranger (USA) (9-3) Held up stand's side, ridden 2f out, driven and weakened over 1f out, 11th of 15, 4l behind African Rose (8-12) at Doncaster 6f Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept.
Utmost Respect (9-3) Chased leaders stand's side, driven and stayed on well final furlong, 3rd of 15, 3/4l behind African Rose (8-12) at Doncaster 6f Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept.
Paco Boy (IRE) (8-11) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, no extra under pressure, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Goldikova (8-8) at Longchamp 1m Grp 1 (1) hvy in Sept.
Captain's Lover (SAF) (8-11) won at Longchamp 7f Grp 3 (1) hvy in Sept beating Spirito Del Vento (9-5) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
African Rose (8-12) Held up stand's side, headway 2f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, held on towards line, won at Doncaster 6f Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept beating Assertive (9-3) by a nk, 15 ran.
Natagora (FR) (8-8) In touch, effort over 1f out, no extra, 6th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Goldikova (8-8) at Longchamp 1m Grp 1 (1) hvy in Sept.
Astronomer Royal (USA) (9-3) Chased leaders far side, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 14th of 15, 8l behind African Rose (8-12) at Doncaster 6f Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept.