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Favourite triumphs for Andre Fabre at ParisLongchamp

Persian King predictably outclassed his rivals in the Prix de Fontainebleau at ParisLongchamp.

Andre Fabre’s inmate won three of his four starts as a juvenile last season – completing his hat-trick in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket.

Carrying the royal blue silks of Godolphin for the first time, the Kingman colt was a prohibitively priced 1-3 favourite to make a winning reappearance in this one-mile Group Three and the result was never in doubt.

Persian King was sent straight to the lead by Pierre-Charles Boudot and set only a moderate pace.

Once asked to go about his business in the home straight, the three-year-old stretched comfortably clear and had five lengths in hand at the line.

Epic Hero narrowly beat Paul Cole’s British challenger Duke Of Hazzard to the runner-up spot – providing Fabre and Godolphin with a one-two.

Fabre told Press Association Sport: “I am very happy. I thought it was a good performance and his action was good.

“They are two nice horses. What more could you ask?”

Persian King was cut to as short as 7-1 for the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, but whether he returns to the Rowley Mile or remains on home soil to run in the French Guineas is up for discussion.

“It is undecided at this stage,” said Fabre.

“One of the factors will be what happens on Wednesday (in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket).”

Of Epic Hero, the trainer added: “He clearly didn’t get the distance. I think he’s a seven-furlong horse.”

The Godolphin operation was on the mark again in the Prix de la Grotte as Castle Lady (9-2) maintained her unbeaten record with an assured display.

A winner on her racecourse debut at Chantilly a month ago, Alex Pantall’s filly took the step up to Group Three level in her stride in the hands of Mickael Barzalona.

Simon Crisford’s Imperial Charm flew the British flag with distinction – making much of the running and boxing on well to finish a clear second.