French Claim enhances classic prospects

French Claim enhanced his classic aspirations with an all the way win in the Tote Always SP Or Better Race at Cork.

With no guaranteed pace in the small field, Billy Lee sent his mount straight into the lead from the start.

Despite being taken on by Sussex early in the straight, the Paddy Twomey trained three-year-old found plenty for pressure and stayed on gamely.

A Listowel maiden winner last season, the son of French Fifteen had looked slightly unlucky when upped in class at Leopardstown on his final outing.

There were to be no hard luck stories on this occasion as he showed just what he was capable of with a solid display.

If anything, he should be a better horse getting a lead, so there is much to look forward to.

Entries in the Epsom and Irish Derby are indicative of just how highly regarded the colt is by connections.

Trainer Paddy Twomey said "he ran a good race meeting loads of trouble in the Eyrefield Stakes last year and that race is working out well. He was more professional today, up in trip and I'd say this trip is his bare minimum.

"He keeps finding and is still learning on the job. He has plenty of entries and there is a 1m5f Listed race for three year old only at Navan and he'll have no problem getting that trip.

"We have him entered in Epsom and his owners are keen to go and that is in consideration. A cut in the ground doesn't inconvenience him and I think he'll get 1m6f later in the year so a race like the St Leger in Doncaster might be right up his street."