Maarek gets favoured soft ground at Chantilly Evanna McCutcheon is confident veteran sprinter Maarek can make his presence felt in the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly on Sunday. The nine-year-old enjoyed the biggest day of his career in France when landing the 2013 Prix de l'Abbaye and though now in the twilight of his career, he has been running consistently this season. He is set to encounter his favoured testing conditions and McCutcheon is expecting a bold show. "He travelled over very well and he's in really good order," said the Fethard-based trainer. "He was beaten just over a length in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh the last day and Seamie (Heffernan, jockey) was delighted with him as they didn't really go a gallop and that wouldn't suit him. "The race on Sunday has cut up and I'd prefer it if there were more runners, but we're there to take our chance and we'll see what we can do. "The ground is going to be very soft, which won't bother him, so we're looking forward to it." Maarek faces seven rivals in the five-furlong Group Two with plenty of familiar names in opposition. Rae Guest's Mirza is a regular in France and makes the journey from Britain once more, while Robert Cowell sends smart mare Iffranesia into battle. Cowell said: "She doesn't mind a bit of cut in the ground. She's had excuses for her last two runs. "We think we've got her back on form but it's a Group Two. "She may not be up to that standard but we can hope for a bit of prize-money." There are no British or Irish representatives in either the Prix de Royaumont or the Prix de Sandringham, but both are quality events. Roger Charlton saddles Ayrad in the Grand Prix de Chantilly as he looks to build on two promising runs at Sandown and Newbury so far this season.
