Manduro heads D'Ispahan contenders

Manduro will bid to build on the excellent impression he made when romping away with the Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket in the Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp on Sunday.

Andre Fabre’s five-year-old has yet to win at the highest level but was placed twice behind Librettist in Group One events and was not beaten far behind Ouija Board in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot last summer.

He will need to see off four rivals at the weekend, headed by Prix Jean Prat winner Stormy River.

Paul Harley, racing manager to Manduro’s owner Baron Georg von Ullmann, said: “Mr Fabre seems to be very pleased with him.

“It was a good performance at Newmarket and he deserves to win a Group One.

“He has been narrowly beaten in Group Ones in the past, including in this race last year and he deserves to get his head in front.

“We’ve been very patient with him and it would be nice for everybody concerned if he can go and win a Group One.

“The plan after this is Royal Ascot but for which race has yet to be decided. He’s very versatile and all ground comes alike to him.”

Palafamix, Willywell and Turtle Bowl complete the line-up.