Frank won the first edition in 1836 and, since then, the Prix du Jockey-Club has crowned a whole host of champions. Covering 2100m and run at the scenic Chantilly, the French Derby now guarantees the winner an automatic berth into the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Here, we review Sunday's contenders for what once again promises to be a thrilling renewal.

1-Daryzan: Half-brother to champion Daryz, this Zarak colt made a huge impression when winning a debutants race over 1600m at Saint-Cloud on 5 May. The step up in class is not inconsiderable, but his trainer Francis Graffard believes his horse is up to it. It is a major gamble, but the stable’s current form inspires considerable confidence.

2-Dolmalan: Also owned by the Aga Khan Studs, but trained by Mikel Delzangles, this second Zarak colt arrives unbeaten in three starts, most recently winning the Listed Prix de Suresnes over 2000m on this very track. A talented colt, he still has room for improvement, although Mickaël Barzalona has chosen Daryzan over him.

3-Hankelow: Third in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, this British contender is well-regarded by his trainer Karl Burke. Like numerous others here, he is new to both the distance and the track, but he seems adaptable to most profiles and should play a major role in the finish.

4-Alam: Mikel Delzangles’ second representative, this Al Shaqab colt recently got off the mark in the Gr.3 Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud over the Jockey-Club trip, on what was only his fourth career start. His rapid improvement makes him a plausible contender, although he will still need to step up further. Tough task from draw in stall 16.

5-Gusto: He has imposed just once in four starts, on the all-weather, and finished a close third in the Gr.3 Prix La Force at Longchamp on 5 April, to Segall on his first attempt on turf. There appears to be room for improvement but he will need plenty of it if he hopes to secure a place this Sunday in a much more elevated contest.

6-Hawk Mountain: Winner of the Gr.1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster last October, he was sent to Chantilly by Aidan O’Brien on May 4 to familiarise himself with the Jockey-Club course, easily winning the Gr.3 Prix de Guiche that day, producing the perfect preparation for Sunday. Even if the form of that race remains open to question, he is undoubtedly one of the leading players.

7-Gostam: Trained in Germany, he easily won all three of his starts as a 2 year-old, including a Gr.2 and a Gr.3. He was forced to work though in order to win his seasonal comeback in the Gr.2 Bavarian Classic at Munich over 2000m, his first attempt at the distance. His limits have yet to be established, but he will be partnered for the first time by the formidable Billy Loughnane and could spring something of a surprise.

8-Segall: Surprise winner of the Prix La Force over 1800m on 5 April, he endured a terrible trip in the Poule d’Essai, narrowly avoiding a fall 600m out. Trained by André Fabre, he is neither easy to strongly recommend nor easy to dismiss, but another surprise cannot be ruled out.

9-Oxagon: The only supplementary entry in the race, this French-bred colt made a big impression when triumphant in the Craven Stakes on his seasonal return, prior to finishing 6th in the 2000 Guineas. Trained by father-and-son team John and Thady Gosden, he has never raced beyond a mile but connections did not pay €72,000 just to make up the numbers.

10-Komorebi: Winner of the Gr.3 Prix La Rochette over 1400m at Longchamp at 2, he impressed on his seasonal return when narrowly securing the Gr.3 Prix de Fontainebleau on 12 April. He put in a strong finish to run second in the Poule d’Essai, and André Fabre believes that despite the colt’s pedigree, he will appreciate the longer trip. On paper, he looks one of the best chances in the field.

11-Campacité: A Listed winner at two and runner-up in the Gr.1 Critérium de Saint-Cloud to Puerto Rico, he has performed well in both outings this season, however the ratings he achieved on those occasions appear, in theory, insufficient to win on Sunday. Nevertheless, he remains capable of finishing in the mix.

12-Pearled Majesty: This Persian King colt has the distinction of being owned by Christiane Head, who won this race as a trainer with the great Bering in 1986. Trained by Mauricio Delcher-Sanchez, the colt comes into the race on the back of three consecutive victories, most recently the Gr.3 Prix Noailles over 2100m at Longchamp on 12 April. Possessing an fine physique and blessed with bags of potential, he has the ideal profile to win this.

13-Canadian Turf: Bred and raised in Turkey, he finished unplaced in both French starts and appears to have virtually no chance at this level.

14-Montreal: This Sea The Stars colt finished second, beaten only a head by Dolmalan, on his comeback in the Listed Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly. A maiden winner at Leopardstown last season, he lacks the credentials of some of his stablemates but still looks good enough to pick up some place money.

15-A Boy Named Susie: Trained by Donnacha O’Brien, he has not won since his debut victory at Killarney last July. Consistent however, he finished second in the Gr.1 Critérium de Saint-Cloud on his final start of 2025. Third in a Leopardstown Gr.3 on his return last month, he will need to improve significantly if he has any hope of winning on Sunday.

16-Constitution River: After having hesitated between Epsom and Chantilly, Aidan O’Brien and the owners have ultimately opted for France. French-bred and out of a full-sister to dual Gr.1 winner Wonderful Tonight, he was hugely impressive when winning the Listed Dee Stakes at Chester by 7L. Held in high regard by the master of Ballydoyle, he is considered Coolmore’s leading hope for the race and will almost certainly start favourite despite his poor draw.

Photo: France Galop