Carlotamix seeks third win

Carlotamix can redeem the reputation of what has thus far appeared to be a subpar crop of French 2-year-old colts if he can prevail over five rivals in the Group 1, $303,000 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on Sunday.

Trained by Andre Fabre, Carlotamix made his record 2 for 2 on Sept. 17 in the Group 3 Prix des Chenes at Longchamp over the International distance of one mile, beating stablemate and subsequent Group 3 Prix de Conde winner Linda's Lad.

Porto Santo, trained by Philippe Demercastel, has also won both his starts, but they were at 5 and 5 1/2 furlongs, and he has not run since May 31. Nicolas Clement has supplemented Stormy River, winner of a seven-furlong allowance, for $18,200, but he looks in tough. Kakofonic is Group 3-placed for trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias, while Aidan O'Brien digs down into his deep barnful of juveniles to produce Poseidon Adventure, a Newbury maiden who is a son of Sadler's Wells from the family of multiple Grade 1 turf winner Sabin.

With the ground at Saint-Cloud on Sunday likely to be heavy, Carlotamix, by Linamix, has a solid favorite's chance.