O'Brien duo make French connection

Aidan O’Brien launches a two-pronged assault on the Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Longchamp tomorrow as he seeks a first Classic of the season for Ballydoyle.

The French 2000 Guineas has attracted an 11-runner-field, in which O’Brien relies upon Westphalia and Born To Be King.

The former is a tough customer, having won the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last season before finishing a half-length second to Donativum at the Breeders’ Cup.

His seasonal bow this term saw him finish a narrow runner-up to the reopposing Silver Frost in the Prix de Fontainebleau over course and distance last month, when he was doing his best work at the finish.

Born To Be King, a son of Storm Cat, took a Gowran maiden on his final start as a juvenile and finished third to Recharge at Leopardstown on his reappearance.

Johnny Murtagh rides Westphalia, while former Ballydoyle number one Jamie Spencer gets the leg-up on Born To Be King.

O’Brien said: “Born To Be King ran in a Listed race, a Guineas trial, and he was third. It was his first run this year. He has improved since then and we are hoping.

“Westphalia ran a Guineas trial in France. He ran nicely and finished second. We have been happy with him since. The ground will be fine.

“They are both good-moving horses.”