Strong British bid for Criterium International

Runaway Leicester winner Johnny Barnes forms part of a four-pronged British challenge for the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on Thursday.

John Gosden's two-year-old looked a smart recruit when making a winning debut at Yarmouth in mid-August and although he fluffed his lines at Goodwood next time, he bounced back with a demolition of his rivals in the Leicester mud earlier this month.

The Acclamation colt carries the colours of Bermuda Thoroughbred Racing, a syndicate run by Highclere for Bermudian businessman Simon Scupham.

Mark Kershaw, who has previously managed Ayr, Musselburgh and Newbury racecourses and was heavily involved in the planning and opening of Ffos Las, works part-time for Highclere and will represent the team in France on Thursday.

Kershaw said: "It's very exciting and I think everyone was keen to have a go at it.

"I think a big part of the decision to travel is that we know he can go on soft ground and I understand conditions at Saint-Cloud will be very testing.

"It is a big step up in class and it is quite an ask, but John Gosden is very happy with the horse.

"He came out of Leicester very well and he's in great shape, so why not have a go?

"He's a talented horse."

Champion British trainer-elect Richard Hannon saddles Burnt Sugar, who was beaten just a length into fourth in the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp at the start of the month.

Andrew Balding runs Windsor winner Master Apprentice, while Vert De Grece makes his debut for Roger Varian to complete the British challenge.

Vert De Grece won a Leopardstown maiden before pushing the high-class Gleneagles close in the Futurity Stakes at the Curragh for Irish trainer Joe Murphy and has since switched yards having been bought in a private deal.

Varian said: "He's trained well for the last few weeks and his last run in Ireland behind Gleneagles was very good.

"We're going into a bit of an unknown in terms of the ground, but I think he deserves to take his chance in the race.

"If he can reproduce his last run, that would give him a chance."

Andre Fabre's Alea Iacta has won each of her two starts, including a Group Three over the course and distance, and is the likely favourite for the race.

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