Fabre happy to make Classic trip to Newmarket with exciting Alson

Andre Fabre said on Saturday he expects to be represented in at least one of the Newmarket Classics next month, following the news that they will be open to overseas horses.

Fabre is likely to aim the hugely promising Alson, a 20-length winner of the Criterium International last autumn, at the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on June 6.

In other Guineas news, Ger Lyons said on Saturday it was his "preference" to head to the Irish equivalent with his Keeneland Phoenix Stakes winner Siskin.

The BHA announced on Friday evening there would be heavy restrictions on runners trained abroad during the first two weeks of racing’s return in Britain.

The three races that will be open to entries from beyond British shores will be the Coronation Cup on June 5, the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on June 6 and the 1,000 Guineas a day later.

French-based horses will have been in action for a month by then, although Fabre is not convinced that will automatically confer an advantage, given the modern trend in Britain and Ireland for not taking in a trial.

And it will be with a colt who has not had a previous run that Fabre is most likely to tackle the Rowley Mile, namely Alson, who won the two-runner Criterium International at Longchamp under Frankie Dettori last October and who has since joined the perennial champion trainer’s boxes from Jean-Pierre Carvalho.

“Alson is a possibility for the 2,000 Guineas,” said Fabre. "I think he should cope well with Newmarket, as he has a huge action and I think he should act well.”

Tropbeau: decision on 1,000 Guineas bid has not been madeCredit: racing.com Staff

Fabre said no discussion had taken place as to whether Tropbeau, favourite for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, six days before the 1,000 Guineas, could be rerouted to Newmarket.

The daughter of Showcasing has attracted support for the 1,000 Guineas on the back of the decision to allow foreign-trained runners and is as short as 12-1 for the race.

Unlike Alson, Tropbeau has enjoyed a prep run, winning the Prix de la Grotte on Monday, and also has experience of the Rowley Mile following her third placed effort in the Cheveley Park last September.

Owned by Lady Bamford, Tropbeau is 7-4 favourite for the Pouliches.

“I don’t know how sporting it would be to run Tropbeau and take advantage [of France’s early start] but I have yet to discuss it with the owner," he said. "Nowadays, many trainers go straight to the Guineas anyway.”

With Earthlight enjoying a break and Godolphin’s Pinatubo a red-hot favourite for the 2,000 Guineas, Fabre described Victor Ludorum as “unlikely” to travel over, while he does not expect to be represented in the Coronation Cup.

Siskin: Irish 2,000 Guineas is the planCredit: Patrick McCann

Lyons considering Irish 2,000 Guineas bid for Siskin

Lyons, meanwhile, appears keen to stay in Ireland with Siskin.

With new Irish quarantine regulations suggesting that jockeys, trainers and stable staff travelling into Ireland will have to serve a 14-day self-isolation period, Lyons is looking forward to seeing Sunday's expected publication of the Irish racing schedule when a date for the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas will be set.

"At the moment he's being trained with a Guineas in mind and we'll learn more about the Irish calendar on Sunday," he said.

"We don't know at the moment where in the calendar the Irish 2,000 Guineas will be set, but ideally my preference would be to go there. For one thing, it's just 45 minutes down the road."

Lyons added: "Also, at the moment, it's my understanding until I know differently, that if I sent him to Newmarket and sent Colin Keane to ride him there, he would have to isolate for two weeks on his return, which would mean him missing two weeks' work which would not be practical.

"But, it's a decision for Juddmonte to make, and it's a decision which will be made in conjunction with the entire team."

Read more

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Racing set to resume on June 1 with all-weather fixture at Newcastle

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