French locals hold edge in Foret

Five English raiders clash with two French-trained ones in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs at Longchamp on Saturday. Although they are outnumbered, the French can keep this race at home.

Denebola, owned by the Niarchos family and trained by Pascal Bary, was beaten just over a length by Grey Lilas in the one-mile Prix du Moulin, also at Longchamp, on Sept. 5. This shorter trip will suit her well. It should also help Le Vie dei Colori, who finished not much more than a length behind Denebola in the Moulin.

Among the English invaders are Somnus, winner of the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, and Nayyir, second in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes.