The Bastille Day festivities continue into Tuesday morning as the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris takes center stage at ParisLongchamp. Anticipation is building ahead of a highly competitive 12-furlong test. Aidan O’Brien’s Causeway and William Haggas’s Maltese Cross enter the gates as the absolute focal points of the Group One feature.
Both colts bring exceptional summer form to France. Causeway arrives straight from a hard-fought victory in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Meanwhile, Maltese Cross is looking to convert after an impressive runner-up finish at the Betfred Derby at Epsom, according to the latest race preview.
Jockey Tom Marquand bypassed the Irish Derby to steer Maltese Cross across the Channel. Marquand noted the Sea The Stars colt is expected to favor the faster ground forecast for Paris over the rain-softened turf he encountered at Epsom. Trainer William Haggas confirmed the team specifically targeted this event. It stands as the final three-year-old-only Group One race at the mile-and-a-half trip, and it qualifies the ownership for lucrative French premiums.
The field runs much deeper than a two-horse race. The Amo Racing entrant Ancient Egypt lost to Causeway by just a neck at Royal Ascot. Trainer Charlie Johnston views Causeway as the primary threat but is eager for his Frankel colt to renew their rivalry. He stated the extra recovery time since Ascot plays to his horse’s advantage.
Here is the timeline of recent form for the top three contenders entering Tuesday’s race:
- Causeway: Secured a narrow victory at Royal Ascot in the King Edward VII Stakes.
- Maltese Cross: Fought to a strong second-place finish at the Betfred Derby at Epsom.
- Ancient Egypt: Narrowly missed the Ascot win by a neck and rested longer for this rematch.
Joseph O’Brien brings Limestone to the starting line after a tight finish to win the Queen’s Vase. The home crowd also has a local interest. French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is fielding Varandir to defend the Bastille Day feature prize against the British and Irish raiders.
The Verdict: If the ground stays firm, Maltese Cross has a clear tactical advantage. Bettors and fans should expect a tightly grouped finish, but the Haggas entry brings the best balance of freshness and pace to beat out Causeway at the wire.