Racing Centre

Marco Botti - aiming Sesmen at Poule D'Essai Des Pouliches. Picture: Mandy Davis

SESMEN will swerve the Stan James 1000 Guineas for a shot at the French equivalent on May 13, according to Marco Botti.

The Newmarket-based trainer today indicated that last year’s Prestige Stakes winner - sixth in the Fred Darling - would be better suited by running at Longchamp in the French classic.

Speaking to www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk, Botti explained: “We think the mile at Newmarket could probably be too stiff for her. Her problem is that she can be a bit keen, so can run a bit free early on in a race.

“The French Guineas is a tough race - - it’s not going to be easier than the English Guineas. It will be a tough task but she deserves to take her chance and we’ll hope for the best.. She will have her final piece of work on Saturday.”

Botti is expecting some improvement on Sesmen’s seasonal bow in the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury on May 21.

He added: “I thought that she needed the race so I was quite pleased with the performance. She wasn’t beaten far and the time was good. The way she ran at Newbury shows that she can stay a mile, without a doubt. She stayed on. She is in good form and we are very pleased with her. I think she will come on a lot from the (Newbury) race.”

Botti has yet to clarify riding plans for the Inchinor filly but is keen to book a French jockey.

Written by Tony Rushmer