Fabre out of both French Guineas

With the withdrawal of last year's French juvenile champion, Carlotamix, from Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) at the four-day entry stage Wednesday, trainer Andre Fabre will be without a runner in both that race and its filly equivalent, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas).

Winner of the Group 1 Criterium International in October, Carlotamix finished only seventh as the 1-2 favorite in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau on April 23, a discouraging performance that prompted his withdrawal from the Poulains. The Nicolas Clement-trained Fontainebleau winner, Stormy River, has, however, stood his ground for the colts mile classic at Longchamp.

While Fabre was without a runner in last year's French 2000, Sunday will be the first time since 1986 that Fabre, 19 times the French champion trainer, will be without a horse in either the Poulains or the Pouliches. In 2003 he won both races with Clodovil and Musical Chimes.

In other classic news, George Washington, winner of Saturday's 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, has been installed as the 1-4 favorite by Boylesports for the Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh on May 27. George Washington is also one of 63 horses nominated to the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park on July 8. Others named to that Group 1 contest include Electrocutionist, David Junior, and Ouija Board.