Racing: Bago will challenge Post

American Post was among 15 horses declared for Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas) at yesterday's first forfeit stage Criquette Head-Maarek's colt is vying for second favouritism for the Derby with Snow Ridge, behind market leader Yeats.

American Post was among 15 horses declared for Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas) at yesterday's first forfeit stage Criquette Head-Maarek's colt is vying for second favouritism for the Derby with Snow Ridge, behind market leader Yeats.

The dual Group One winner's credentials for the Blue Riband will be thoroughly tested as the Longchamp race also features the seasonal debut of Bago, last year's European top-rated juvenile. The Jonathan Pease-trained colt missed his intended prep in the Prix de Fontainebleau won by American Post at Longchamp last month with a minor problem.

Godolphin have left in Byron, while Antonius Pius, second to American Post in the Fontainebleau, is one of four Aidan O'Brien-trained possibles. The others are Grand Reward, Newton and Tumblebrutus.

Ballydoyle accounts for three of the 16 left in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas). Grey Lilas, winner of the Prix de la Grotte, has a sound chance of supplying Gary Stevens with his first Classic since joining André Fabre.