At Saint-Cloud on October 26, 24 British- and Irish-trained horses, including several from Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable, are set to compete in six group races, featuring three Group 1 events. Among the standout 2-year-olds are Puerto Rico, a son of the late Coolmore sire Wootton Bassett, who has impressed with wins in the Champagne Stakes (G2) and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1), and Pierre Bonnard, a Camelot colt who has rapidly risen in prominence after victories at Dundalk and Newmarket. Both are seen as leading classic contenders, with Puerto Rico favored in the Criterium International (G1) and Pierre Bonnard poised to make a strong impact in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud (G1).

Trainer Aidan O’Brien expressed confidence in his runners, highlighting Puerto Rico’s smooth step up to a mile and the promising form of his other Ballydoyle entries. Pierre Bonnard’s unconventional path to this point has not diminished expectations, with O’Brien noting the colt’s good form and potential for improvement. The card also features the Prix Royal-Oak (G1) for older horses, with Caballo de Mar heading the betting, rounding out a highly competitive day of racing.