Falbrav looks best in Milan

British, German, and French raiders are among the seven runners for the Group 1 Gran Premio di Milano, over 1 1/2 miles at San Siro in Milan, Italy, on Sunday. But for once, the Italians have a horse good enough to handle the challenge: Falbrav.

A son of Fairy King, Falbrav has won four of his five races since finishing second to Morshdi in last year's Italian Derby. He showed that he is still improving when he beat the Godolphin-owned Ekraar in the Group 1 Premio Presidente della Repubblica, over 1 1/4 miles at the Capannelle in Rome on May 12.

Falbrav should have no problem returning to this longer distance, especially as the turf is expected to be firm. His principal opponents are Narrative, who has been supplemented to the race by Godolphin; Hawkeye, bought by Gary Tanaka out of Aidan O'Brien's stable last fall; and a German colt, Sabiango.

Narrative was given an easy lead in a Group 2 at the Capannelle on May 26 and responded by strolling home eight lengths clear, which was as close as his rivals were to him at any stage. Frankie Dettori rides him again.