Mkfancy has Group 1 winning form to his name, so appeals most to land the 1m 1f Group 3 Prix La Force at Longchamp this Thursday (10:40).
Trained by Pia Brandt, this son of Makfi ran third to Victor Ludorum on debut at this venue. Although the winner was beaten at odds-on earlier this week, he was a rapidly progressive juvenile.
Victor Ludorum took the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc weekend here and is a Classic contender. Mkfancy was beaten just over five lengths by him, but won his final two starts last season.
After scoring by thee lengths in a mile maiden, he made the step up to the highest level. Mkfancy made all in the 1m 2f Criterium de Saint-Cloud, fending off a challenger and staying on strongly in the final furlong.
That proven form over further is an obvious plus here. As Mkfancy ran well conceding a 4lb penalty in a Listed race on the all-weather at Chantilly on reappearance when beaten a length into second, he should come on for that run.
He did so last season. Connections clearly mean business here as top jockey Christophe Soumillon takes the ride for the first time.
In what is a trappy renewal of the Prix La Force, Mkfancy obviously has class and gets our vote. As a Group 1 winner, he has a touch of class.
Ocean Atlantique feared most
The powerful Coolmore set have Ocean Atlantique in this. This American Pharoah colt trained by Andre Fabre ran twice in minor events at Saint-Cloud last season.
Although held a length on debut, Ocean Atlantique went one better last time out. He broke well and soon led, drawing clear under a hands and heels ride for a very cosy eight-length victory.
This very taking display suggests Ocean Atlantique is well above average, but he must back it up. The form of Fabre’s stable since horse racing in France resumed leaves a lot to be desired, however.
While Ocean Atlantique is open to tons of further progress, he may need the run. That is the way that other leading fancies from the same yard have shaped this week.
It would be no surprise to see Ocean Atlantique win this, but may be worth opposing on this occasion despite bookmakers siding with him.
Another Sky and Pao Alto also in Prix La Force mix
Freddy Head and George Strawbridge have Chantilly distance winner Another Sky engaged here. He won by 4 1/2 lengths on the all-weather there back in March.
Its hard to say what the form is worth, only that Another Sky won well. This is the reason why he is prominent in the betting with with bookies.
So is Pao Alto. This Intello colt trained by Christophe Ferland is a course winner over a mile. That victory came on his second start after finishing a half-length runner-up to subsequent Group 3 winner Hopeful at Deauville on debut.
Following his three lengths success at Longchamp, Pao Alto made the step up to Listed level on his final outing last season. He won the Listed 1m Grand Criterium de Bordeaux by 4 1/2 lengths.
This form puts Pao Alto in with a chance of hitting the frame minimum here. You can make a case for most of the six-runner field in the Prix La Force this year, but Mkfancy appeals most.
