Hey Gaman primed for Group One bid at Saint-Cloud

James Tate is hoping Hey Gaman can make up for a narrow defeat at Doncaster by going one better when he steps up to Group One company in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on Sunday.

The Newmarket trainer looked at several races before opting for the French feature, following Hey Gaman's neck defeat to Seahenge in the Champagne Stakes last month.

"He's in great form. We were obviously delighted with his run in the Champagne and we've been eyeing an end-of-season Group One to run him in," said Tate.

"The ground was a bit quick for him in the Dewhurst, so we were looking at the Racing Post Trophy or this and we felt seven furlongs on soft ground would be right up his street, so it's fingers crossed."

Harry Dunlop realises Fighting Irish has plenty on his plate but feels the son of Camelot deserves a chance at the top level following his victory in a Group Two at Maisons-Laffitte.

"We were thrilled with his win in the Group Two the other day. The field was reduced to just three runners, but we felt the second (Nebo) is still a nice horse," said the Lambourn trainer.

"We are realistic - this is a big step up again into a Group One, but we thought we'd give it a whirl.

"We've been lucky in France. Let's hope it can continue."

A third British challenger is the Naas Group Three scorer Ellthea from Karl Burke's stable, while Aidan O'Brien relies on Threeandfourpence, who was fourth behind stablemate U S Navy Flag in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket two weeks ago.

Delano Roosevelt, the mount of Ryan Moore, spearheads O'Brien's raid on the Criterium de Saint-Cloud.

The 10 furlongs will be a stern test for two-year-olds, but it looked as though Delano Roosevelt might be suited by a step up in distance when putting in his best work at the end of the mile when second to stable companion Saxon Warrior in the Beresford Stakes at Naas five weeks ago.

Royal Lodge Stakes second Nelson, Kew Gardens and Hunting Horn are the other Ballydoyle runners.

Luminate, trained by Freddy Head, puts his unbeaten record on the line after winning both his starts to date.

Charlie Appleby's Stage Magic is the sole British-trained horse in the seven-strong field.

Ed Walker's Stormy Antarctic and the William Haggas-trained Hathal are among 10 horses declared for the Group Three Prix Perth over a mile.