This might seem a strange thing to say about a dual Gold Cup (G1) winner, but if there is a single performance that stands out in the career of the mighty Kyprios it is probably the demolition job that he handed out in the Prix du Cadran (G1) two years ago, when he won by no fewer than 20 lengths. The Aidan O'Brien trainee is back to spoil Trueshan's third Prix du Cadran (G1) title in the Oct. 5 group 1.
Only Alson, who won a match for the 2019 Criterium International (G1) by the same distance, has won a group 1 by so far in recent times and Kyprios' achievement far outweighs that. His 11 rivals didn't see which way he went and he ran them ragged, despite going badly left late on.
That momentary lapse of concentration probably cost Kyprios an even bigger winning margin because he lost momentum and must have given up a lot of ground as he came over to the stands' rail to see the crowd. He was so far clear, though, that it didn't make any odds.
That victory completed a perfect six-race campaign and was Kyprios at his peak, but if he wins here he will emulate that feat to complete a remarkable return to his best. It would be another feather in Aidan O'Brien's cap as Kyprios missed most of last year through injury.
Trueshan took advantage of Kyprios's absence 12 months ago to land this race for the second time in three years and might still be the biggest danger to his old rival. He has never beaten Kyprios, though, and needs the star to underperform to put that right even in ideal conditions.
Coltrane and Miss Cynthia complete the British challenge and appear to have a lot to find on recent form, so the only other horse who could conceivably give Kyprios a race is sole French runner Double Major. He is a group 1 winner at this course and might still be improving aged only 4.
Trueshan 'in good form' as he goes for third Cadran
Trueshan, who bids to capture a third Prix du Cadran in four years following his wins in 2021 and 2023, appears to have plenty in his favor as he goes head-to-head with long odds-on favorite Kyprios.
The 8-year-old, one of the most popular flat horses in training owing to his longevity and heart-on-the-sleeve performances, pleased connections with his final piece of work Oct. 2.
Trainer Alan King said: "Trueshan seems in good form at home and looks like getting the easy ground he loves."
He added: "I'd be happier if Kyprios wasn't running, but Trueshan has performed well all summer and we'll give it our best shot."
Trueshan's last seven wins—the most recent in a Sandown listed race in July—have come under Hollie Doyle, but the stamina-packed warrior has also scored for James Doyle, William Buick, and Martin Harley during a magnificent career that has yielded 16 successes from 31 starts.
Hollie Doyle has been claimed to ride Nashwa in the Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) at Newmarket, so James Doyle will take over on Trueshan.
"It's a shame as Hollie knows Trueshan so well, but we were aware she might be claimed by Nashwa's owners and we've had James on standby for some time," King said. "Remember, James was aboard when Trueshan won his first Cadran in 2021 as Hollie was suspended."
The British contingent in Paris would raise the Longchamp roof if Trueshan could topple Kyprios, and no doubt Hollie Doyle would also be cheering from Newmarket.
Term Of Endearment Could Give de Bromhead First Group 1 in Prix de Royallieu
At a meeting where freshness often pays dividends, Term of Endearment will have just her third start of what has been, thus far, a perfect season in the Prix de Royallieu (G1).
A group 3 winner at 4 last August, Henry de Bromhead then sent her to the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1) last October at Ascot, one of the few disappointing efforts of the lightly raced daughter of Sea The Moon's career.
This year's wins in the Bronte Cup Fillies Stakes (G3) at York and the Lillie Langtry Stakes (G2) at Goodwood have come over this 1 3/4-mile trip, while Alexis Pouchin won on his first ride for de Bromhead at Longchamp aboard Higher Leaves last month.
"I'm very happy with her going into the race," said de Bromhead of Term of Endearment. "We've had this in mind since she won the Lillie Langtry at Goodwood and she keeps on improving. We're looking forward to it."
The drying ground should also help Mistral Star, who handled the step up from listed winner to group 1 well enough when fourth to Content in the Yorkshire Oaks (G1).
"There has been a week of virtually no rain at Longchamp and it might dry out to what we'd call good to soft in Britain," said trainer Hughie Morrison of Mistral Star. "She has good form on that type of ground in France at Saint-Cloud. It's a very competitive contest, with no standout. She could run really well and finish seventh or she might win—it's that sort of race. It will be her last chance this year. She'll probably go to stud."
William Haggas bids for a hat trick in a race that was only upped in distance and grade in 2019 and, as in the last two years, relies on a daughter of Sea The Stars.
Sea Theme has a length and a quarter to find with Mistral Star on their meeting at York, and is another that will be pleased Paris has been spared the rain this week.
The other three editions of the group 1 version of the Royallieu have been shared by the Gosden team and David Menuisier, who are represented by One Evening and Caius Chorister.
