The Investec Coronation Cup is run on Derby Day at Epsom Downs on June 6.

By Simon Jackson. 

The French trio of Cirrus Des Aigles, Dolniya and Flintshire continue to dominate the betting for the Group 1 Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom on June 6.

Last year’s winner Cirrus Des Aigles is best-priced at 5-2 (Ladbrokes) but as short as 2-1 elsewhere after news that 13 horses go forward for the £375,000 contest on Derby Day.

The Corine Barande-Barbe-trained Cirrus Des Aigles finished two lengths ahead of second placed Flintshire at Epsom last year. Flintshire, winner of the valuable Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in December, is no bigger than 5-1 (Paddy Power) to reverse last year’s placings.

Meanwhile Dolniya has beaten Flintshire into second place in two starts this year that includes the valuable Dubai Sheema Classic in March. The Alain De Royer-Dupre-trained Dolniya is best-priced at 7-2 (BoyleSports) for Epsom, where the participation of Cirrus Des Aigles appears likely to be decided after he runs in the Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp on Sunday.

“Cirrus Des Aigles runs in the Prix d’Ispahan this Sunday and then we will think about coming back to Epsom Downs with him,” Barande-Barbe said.

“We ran in both the d’Ispahan and the Coronation Cup last year and he could do the two races again. We will see how he comes out of this Sunday before deciding whether to go for the Investec Coronation Cup or the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

“Christophe Soumillon judged the ride right in the Ganay and he knows the horse very well. He lets Cirrus Des Aigles do what he wants – the race was not hard for him and his rhythm was perfect.

“That win gave us a lot of pleasure and he has been doing very well since then.”

THE INVESTEC CORONATION CUP

Group 1, £375,000 Total Prize Fund. One mile, four furlongs and 10 yards. 

 Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.