Longchamp preview: Qatar Prix de la Foret (16.50)

Limato put in a scintillating performance when winning last time out, and can follow-up to bag a deserved Group 1 success in the Qatar Prix de la Foret at Longchamp (16.50).

The Henry Candy trained gelding showed progressive form when winning four times as a juvenile, and was particularly impressive in the last of those when cruising to success in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar.

This son of Tagula tanked along on the heels of the leaders before making smooth headway to lead inside the final furlong and beat Mattmu by 1 1/2 lengths on the bridle.

It was a visually stunning performance in what is traditionally a very competitive affair, and one which marked Limato out as a very exciting prospect.

That view was confirmed on his seasonal reappearance when Limato landed a Group 3 contest at Ascot in good style despite looking in need of the run.

Limato then finished second in a Group 2 at Haydock on ground that was softer than ideal, before running a cracker to finish runner-up to Muharrer in the 18-runner Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Connections then decided to step Limato up to 7f for the first time in the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster, and it resulted in a devastating display.

After being held-up well off the pace, Limato scythed through the field with two furlongs to go and after hitting the front inside the last quickened clear to score by 3 3/4 lengths.

It was a jaw-dropping performance of pace and power, and if turning up in the same form Limato is going to be very hard to beat.

Make Believe disappointed last time out, but looks the pick of the home team if bouncing back to his best.

The Andre Fabre trained three-year-old had won three of his four starts prior to finish last of five to Gleneagles in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, and they included an impressive success in the French 2000 Guineas over 1m at this venue.

Make Believe made all and kept on strongly to win unchallenged by three lengths from stable companion New Bay, and that one has since gone on to land Group 1 successes in the Prix du Jockey Club and Prix Niel to give the form a rock solid look.

Judged on that victory, Make Believe is a massive player and commands the utmost respect.

Coral’s top tip: Limato could not have been more impressive when scoring last time out and looks a worthy favourite to follow-up. Make Believe can chase him home for the forecast spot