Simeon to be supplemented for Chantilly

The Mark Johnston-trained Simeon is to be supplemented for the Prix du Jockey Club, the French Derby, at a cost of €60,000 on Thursday.

Frankie Dettori, who won the race 10 years ago on Polytain, will partner the Jumeirah Racing-owned colt for the first time in the classic at Chantilly on Sunday.

The son of Lammtarra has won his last five starts, culminating in the Group Three Heathorns Classic Trial at Sandown last month when he trounced Kaieteur by four lengths.

'It`s been the long-term target,' said trainer Mark Johnston this afternoon.

'We`re absolutely sure that it`s the right way to go with the horse. We do realise that it`s a very tough race and that Act One will take a lot of beating, but we are fit enough if good enough.

'It`s obviously our choice to take him there and to supplement him at considerable cost so we wouldn`t do so if we didn`t think he was the right horse for the race.

'He`s been fine since Sandown but we gave him a break because we had previously given him three races in quick succession, but there has been no problems with him - touch wood.'

At the moment, John Gosden`s Epicentre, winner of a Bath maiden, is the sole British acceptor remaining in the French Derby.

The Kris S colt was left in at the first forfeit stage today, together with nine acceptors from the all-conquering Aidan O`Brien stable, who include the French Group Three scorer Diaghilev and Black Sam Bellamy, full-brother to last year`s Vodafone and Budweiser Irish Derby hero Galileo.

The Ballydoyle group also includes Castle Gandolfo, High Chapparal, Tasmanian Tiger, Roar Of The Tiger, Ballingarry, Sholokhov and Temple Of Artemis.

The Jonathan Pease-trained Act One, the unbeaten Prix Lupin winner and likely hot favourite, has also stood his ground.

Completing the list are Martaline, Khalkevi, Alvarinho, Polities, Without Connexion, Louveteau, Sulamani, Tau Ceti, Shaanmer, Coup du Roi, Great Pretender, Le Fou and Germany`s London Calling.