Menuisier Says Sunway Will Be Ready To Shine In The French Derby

Sunway | Scoop Dyga

David Menuisier says he has full confidence in star colt Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) showing his true colours in the Prix du Jockey Club. Always held in the highest regard by connections, Sunway finished ahead of 2,000 Guineas runner-up Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) when second in the Champagne S. at Doncaster last year before going on to end his two-year-old campaign with a Group 1 triumph in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.

Having blown away the cobwebs at ParisLongchamp in the early part of the 2024 season, the three-year-old returned to the scene of his finest hour for the Group 3 Prix Greffulhe.

Although beaten a neck in what is regarded a key French Derby trial, Sunway's handler has confirmed the colt remains on track to compete in the 10-furlong contest on June 2.

“He has come out of his race at Saint-Cloud really well and we are going to prepare him for the Prix du Jockey Club now and hopefully he can keep improving. Chantilly is still the plan,” said Menuisier.

Menuisier is also keen to see if he can register a Group victory with Sirona (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) this term, having seen the four-year-old finish a close-up third on her stable bow in Lingfield's Chartwell Fillies' S.

“I was delighted with her,” the trainer reflected. “She ran a bit fresh and was a bit keen but she showed her true potential and it was great. Hopefully we can secure a Group race with her and see how much improvement we can get out of her.

“She's not easy to place because I would like to stay against fillies but it is not always that easy. She could possibly go to Haydock for the John of Gaunt against the colts and that is one option amongst several really.”

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