'I love this filly' - Christopher Head bids for maiden Group 1 with Sibila Spain

Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Group 1) | 3yo fillies | 1m2f | SKY

The name Head is streaked through the 61-year history of the Prix Saint-Alary and the newest member of France's pre-eminent training dynasty bids to add to that rich history with Sibila Spain, an unbeaten daughter of Frankel.

Christopher Head – son of Freddy and thus nephew of Criquette – supplemented Sibila Spain off the back of a nine-length debut win at Saint-Cloud, one which she backed up at Lyon last month.

"I'm pretty optimistic and I love this filly, she's showed me plenty," said Head. "I think she'll have similar [soft] ground to when she won her first race and I'm pretty sure that makes her even more competitive. I really wanted to see her do it again second time out before going up to Group races.

Sibila Spain and Aurelien Lemaitre under the watchful eye of trainer Christopher Head following a nine-length debut success at Saint-CloudCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

"We wanted to hide her away a bit more but she has so much speed that she found herself in front. She won very well and she might have more speed than stamina, though it’s probably too early to tell because we haven’t held her up yet."

Head saddled his first runner in December 2018 and while his string numbers 14, has been able to work Sibila Spain with some meaningful yardsticks.

Head said: "It's a very hard thing to explain when you have a certain feeling around a good horse. I've seen them up close as assistant to my father and in other stables. I really have a strong feeling that she is one of them. She has shown really good things, not only physically but mentally."

Head ought to recognise a good middle-distance filly when he sees one, given the 34-year-old was working as assistant to his aunt during the Treve years.

Head family values: Freddy and son Christopher watch second lot in ChantillyCredit: Edward Whitaker

He added: "She works on the grass with my father's horses and none can go with her so we have a pretty good line."

Sibila Spain carries the silks of owner Leopoldo Pujals – unfortunate in last Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Pouliches when Reina Madre was struck into from behind – and speaks of Head's ambition to scale the heights quickly.

"I expect a lot from Sibila Spain and I think this is a pretty open Saint-Alary," said Head. "It is important to show owners that we can compete at this level and I think Sibila Spain is one of them."

On the book another filly by Frankel, Prix Vanteaux winner Rumi, may head the competition, while Cirona and Harajuku have also won Classic trials this spring.

The Grand Visir and Red Verdon bid for Group 2 spoils

The return to action of Prix Royal-Oak runner-up Valia looks the headline act in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (4.35) over just shy of two miles but should Alain de Royer-Dupre have the daughter of Sea The Stars in any way short of full fitness, there are two British trainers waiting in the wings to take advantage.

Falcon Eight: the Chester Cup winner is set to contest the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Grand Visir found only Falcon Eight too strong in a classy renewal of the Chester Cup and trainer Ian Williams will not be disappointed by the prevailing wet weather in Paris.

"That was probably a personal best last time out at Chester off that weight and he’s in good form, having come out of the race well. We thought he deserved a crack at this," said Williams.

"There were plenty of hoops and effort [in travelling over] but the team have done a good job, he's there and in good nick. Any more rain would be helpful."

Red Verdon returns to the scene of his Group 2 victory on Bastille Day last July, having run well enough over his bare minimum trip behind the progressive Al Aasy at Newbury.

"This looked a slightly easier option than anything at home and thanks are due to Gavin Hernon and Georgina Hammond, who have looked after the horse," said Dunlop. "He seems very well and he's done well in France before. We'll see whether he copes with very deep ground but I hope it doesn't get any worse."

Sir Busker completes the British challenge when lining up for Kennet Valley, William Knight and Olivier Peslier in the Listed Prix de Montretout (3.25) over a mile.

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