Dettori and Gosden hoping Star can sparkle in Chantilly

Star of Seville to make quick reappearance after interference ended Epsom hopes

Frankie Dettori and Star Of Seville (left) seen here riding alongside William Buick and Jazzi Top during the ‘Breakfast With The Stars’ morning at Epsom. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Frankie Dettori and Star Of Seville (left) seen here riding alongside William Buick and Jazzi Top during the ‘Breakfast With The Stars’ morning at Epsom. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Last weekend's Derby-winning team of Frankie Dettori and John Gosden aim for more classic glory in Chantilly on Sunday when Star Of Seville takes her chance in the €1 million French Oaks.

Star Of Seville cut out the early running in the Epsom Oaks eight days ago but faded to ninth after meeting interference in the straight.

However the Musidora winner makes a quick classic reappearance in the Prix de Diane and significantly drops back in trip to an extended mile and a quarter for a race which is dominated in the betting by the Prix Alary heroine, Queens Jewel.

A complicating factor for Freddie Head’s star filly though will be a having to emerge from the widest stall of all in the seventeen-strong field.

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Mick Channon’s Malabar (Richard Hughes) is the other cross-channel trained hope for a classic which is due off at 2.45 Irish-time.

Connor King takes the mount on the Irish hope Elleval in today's Listed race at York although Tipperary trainer David Marnane hopes forecast rain doesn't arrive.

“There’s rain due in and we wouldn’t want too much, but he’s in good form. He’s had a good break since coming back from Dubai. We’re just happy to start him off and this looks a good opportunity,” he said. “He ran really well there last year in the Strensall Stakes at the Ebor meeting.”

It's a fortnight since David Wachman's last winner, Most Beautiful, and Navan's sprint track can again do the trick for the trainer, along with quick ground conditions, when Fit For The Job lines up in the five-furlong handicap.

The JP McManus-owned horse hasn't sparkled in a couple of starts this season but a return to fast going could be what is required and jockey Fran Berry is certainly in form having ridden his 1000th career winner in Ireland during the week.

Wachman's Laffina could be another to strike in the mile and a quarter fillies maiden while fast ground also looks important to Rivers Of Babylon's chances in the three-runner finale.

Circumstances will be very different for Magic Kitten in the mile and five handicap compared to his 20-1 Gowran Park victory a month ago – apart from having Leigh Roche on his back again.

Dermot Weld's apprentice completed a memorable hat-trick on Magic Kitten that day when ground conditions were heavy and the colt didn't appear to be fancied.

He is bred to go on top of the ground and looks a strong stayer so can make use of bottomweight here.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column