FALCO RAN out a comfortable winner of the French 2,000 Guineas at Longchamp yesterday.

Trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias and ridden by Olivier Peslier, the 20-1 chance avoided any traffic problems and swept to the front with a powerful run just over two furlongs from home.

Despite tiring towards the finish, he still had clear daylight between himself and the chasing British pair Rio De La Plata and River Proud at the line.

Zarkava unleashed her potent finishing kick under Christophe Soumillon to maintain superstar status with success in the French 1,000 Guineas. Kayaba ran well in behind to finish second, with Aidan O'Brien's Halfway To Heaven taking third.

"Halfway To Heaven ran well and she is a tough lady. Psalm ran a good race too (sixth) but she had a bad draw," said O'Brien.