Al Riffa heads the official ratings for the May 21 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (G1), although he has ground to make up on Fairy Glen and Caballo de Mar, the 1-2 finishers from the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) at Meydan Racecourse on World Cup night.
Caballo de Mar was runner-up on that occasion and has since pushed Sweet William all the way in the Sagaro Stakes (G3) at Ascot Racecourse, while soft ground is a definite bonus for a horse who won the Prix du Cadran (G1) over 2 1/2 miles at this track last October; the Vicomtesse Vigier will be run at 1 15/16 miles.
"I was delighted with his last run," trainer George Scott said. "He gave a couple of pounds to a seasoned Cup horse, and it's clear he can go another half-mile (in the Ascot Gold Cup) on the back of that. He was fresh beforehand and will definitely improve for that run."
Another with ParisLongchamp form is Consent, who got the better of Santorini Star in the fillies' and mares' Prix de Royallieu (G1) over 1 3/4 miles for trainer Sir Mark Prescott.
Prescott said: "Mathematically, if official ratings are right, then she has a great chance of finishing second. They are our best guide we have."
Arrow Eagle showed his staying prowess when outclassing his domestic rivals in the Prix Royal Oak (G1) last October, while closely matched on this year's form are Asmarani and Double Major.
