Post wins at Longchamp

Latest results

American Post won a dramatic victory in the French 2,000 Guineas but doubts surface over his Derby chances.

Following a stewards' inquiry, the favourite trained by Criquette Head-Maarek beat home Diamond Green while Godolphin's Byron was third.

Antonius Pius had looked all set to score for Ireland when he led well inside the final furlong.

But Aidan O'Brien's colt, ridden by Jamie Spencer, appeared to collide with the running rail and fell back.

Richard Hughes seized the opportunity to drive Abdullah's colt ahead to clinch victory from Diamond Green. Antonius Pius eventually finished fifth.

Spencer said: "He just jinked, I don't know why - he hit the rail so hard and he did well to stay on his feet.

Derby odds lengthen

"I rode him wrong last time. There was no pace and I got caught out. But he has got a turn of foot to kill any horse and that's how I rode him."

American Post failed to impress Coral, who reacted by pushing him out to 8-1 from 5-1 for next month's Vodafone Derby.

"American Post may have delivered the goods here, but he will face an altogether tougher test at Epsom", said spokesman Simon Clare.

William Hill took a similar view and moved to 7-1 from 11-2.

Hughes said: "He was staying on again at the end. That's what won him the race and I certainly don't think the trip at Epsom (mile and a half) would be a problem.

"But he didn't stretch like he can. Personally, I wouldn't run him in the Derby if it was fast ground."

Mme Head-Maarek agreed, saying: "I'm not going to decide anything for at least a week, but Richard said he would need soft ground if we were to go to Epsom and I'm not about to disagree with him."

Olivier Peslier held off the persistent challenge of Gary Stevens' mount Grey Lilasrode to ride Torrestrella to victory in the French 1000 Guineas.

Godolphin's Carry On Katie made the running under Frankie Dettori but had faded by two furlongs out as Torrestrella quickly went on followed by the Andre Fabre-trained Grey Lilas.

Godolphin's other runner Cairns and the John Gosden-trained Nyramba made little impact.

Voix Du Nord ridden by Dominique Boeuf edged a thrilling 10-furlong Prix Lupin.

The David Smaga trained mount was locked in battle with Criquette Head-Maarek's Millemix all the way up the final furlong, Voix Du Nord taking it on a photo finish.

They finished clear of the third Valixir.