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Stats Guide: Poule d'Essai des Poulains.
The G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains (1600m) is one of two headline races this Sunday at Longchamp and will crown the leading 1600m three-year-old colt. Edmond Blanc and the HH Aga Khan share the title of being leading owners in the event with eight victories. Could the latter go solo and make it nine this year? We look at the field.
| Horse | Positives | Negatives |
| Welwal | Won a key trial race, the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau (1600m) over course and distance last monthTrainer in great form – 26% winning strike rate in last 50 runners | Little Group racing experience |
| Scherzo | Maintained a highly consistent profile at Doha since last DecemberTwo wins and one placing from three runs this year | Trainer in poor form – 8% winning strike rate in last 50 runners |
| Texas | The yard is in great form – 26% winning strike rate in last 50 runners | Only fourth in a key trial race, the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau (1600m) over this course and distance last month |
| Nirliit | Race fitness on side with two placings and a win from four starts in 2022 so far | Up three levels |
| Making Moovies | Close third in a key trial race, the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau (1600m) over this course and distance last monthEnjoys this trip with three top-three finishes from as many starts | Trainer maintaining only average form – 16% winning strike rate in last 50 runners |
| Nesr Shalghoda | Third up for this season | On Longchamp debutStruggled fifth of seven when contesting the G3 Prix Djebel (1400m) six weeks ago |
| Modern Games | One of few who are proven at this top-level when successful in the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (1609m) last November at Del Mar (USA)Trainer operating at a 40% winning strike rate in last 50 runners | Making a seasonal appearance so fitness question marks |
| Tribalist | Good course and distance second last monthTrainer is in good form – 20% winning strike rate in last 50 runners | Upped from Class One company |
| The Acropolis | Proven at G2 level last campaignThe stable is working at a solid 32% winning strike rate in last 50 runners | First attempt over this distance |
| Lassaut | Course and distance winner last time in a Class OneYard is operating at a strong 26% winning strike rate | Only had three previous career starts |
| Claymore | Good second in the G3 Craven Stakes (1600m) at Newmarket (UK) last month | Only had two previous racecourse appearances so far |
| Calif | Trainer in good form – 20% winning strike rate in last 50 runners | Never won in four attempts |
| Ancient Rome | Proven at this top-level when third in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (1400m) and second tackling the G1 Criterium International (1600m) | Only sixth on season return in a key trial race, the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau (1600m) over this course and distance last month |
| Rock Boy | Won a key trial race, the G3 Prix Djebel (1400m) at Deauville last monthUnbeaten in three career runs | No Longchamp experience |
| Bayside Boy | Excellent end of two-year-old season with a G2 success (G2 Champagne Stakes (1400m)) before two placings at this top level | First international tripTrainer in only moderate form – 14% winning strike rate in last 50 runners |
| Tumbler | Third up for this season | Only had three career starts |
