Falco aiming for Jean Prat prize

Connections of Falco are hoping that having their own pacemaker will help the French 2000 Guineas hero return to winning ways in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly on Sunday.

Falco failed to follow up his Classic success when fading to finish fifth behind Henrythenavigator in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot after leading three furlongs out.

“I think we made too much use of him at Ascot. We made the pace for the others and the winner broke the track record,” said trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias.

“He’s been working OK and I am very hopeful. We have put in a pacemaker (Poligold) as we are hoping to have pace in the race. The ground should be firm and everything is well.

“I think the English horses are the dangers. The French do not look as good as the English but there are 16 runners and my horse is well.”

Falco won the Poule d’Essai des Poulains by three lengths from Rio De La Plata and Godolphin’s colt is one of the English challengers.

A big run is expected from the colt, who drops back to a mile after failing to see out the mile and a half when seventh to New Approach in the Vodafone Derby.

“He’s ready, he’s in good form, no problems,” said trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

Winker Watson is set to have his first run for a year following a pleasing workout on the July course at Newmarket on Thursday in the hands of big-race jockey Jamie Spencer.

The John Gosden-trained pair of Raven’s Pass and Legislation, plus Henry Cecil’s Kandahar Run and Cat Junior from Brian Meehan’s yard are the other British raiders chasing Group One honours.