New Andre Fabre recruit Alson now ranges from 20/1 down to 16/1 for the English 2000 Guineas.
This follows the news that overseas runners can compete in the British Classics and Group 1 races before Royal Ascot.
Alson, an Areion colt out of a Galileo, impressed when trained by Jean-Pierre Carvalho as a juvenile last season.
After winning a Group 3 at Baden-Baden, he chased home Victor Ludorum in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Arc weekend.
In a subsequent rematch with third home Armory, Alson confirmed form in the Group 1 Criterium International in emphatic style. That was his last start before changing owners and joining Fabre’s yard.
“Alson is a possibility for the 2000 Guineas,” his new trainer said. “I think he should cope well with Newmarket. He has a huge action and I think he should act well.”
With foreign horses allowed in the English Classics, punters reacted to these reports by nibbling at Alson. It is now 25 years since Fabre last won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket with Pennekamp.
No definite plans to reroute Tropbeau
The stable form hasn’t been up to the usual high standard since horse racing resumed in France, but Tropbeau won the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp on reappearance.
Owned by Lady Bamford, the Showcasing filly has previous experience of the Rowley Mile but Fabre is unsure of her next step.
“I don’t know how sporting it would be to run Tropbeau at Newmarket,” he said. “I have yet to discuss it with the owner.”
Tropbeau won back-to-back Group races at Deauville over 7f when running on win before an unlucky third down in trip in the Cheveley Park Stakes.
As she has showed since, a mile is no problem. Tropbeau is a warm 7/4 favourite for the French 1000 Guineas (Poule d’Essai des Pouliches) but bookmakers don’t know what to do about her for Newmarket.
Fabre won the English 1000 Guineas in 2014 with Miss France. Tropbeau is as short as 12/1 but as big as 33/1 to follow in that one’s hoofprints.
