Sussex Stakes next up for Zelzal Zelzal will make his first start outside of France in next month's Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained four-year-old will bid to claim his second Group One success - and first victory since landing last year's Prix Jean Prat - in the mile prize on August 2. Having ended the previous campaign with a third in the Prix du Moulin, the son of Sea The Stars finished second on his return in a Group Three at Chantilly last month. Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Al Shaqab Racing, said: "He is reported to be in great form and I think it's always been Jean-Claude Rouget's intention to run him in the Sussex Stakes. "The horse showed his well-being and ran very well last time. We were very pleased with him as he had been off for a long time and that would have sharpened him up. "Some people might have expected him to sluice up first time out, but Jean-Claude was adamant it was a nice reintroduction. "Obviously he has got to come on a fair bit again, but he is held in high regard by Jean-Claude and it will be exciting to see him in a race like the Sussex Stakes. "The reason he was so slow to come out was because of the virus that went through Jean-Claude's yard. Thankfully he was one of the first to get it and it didn't affect him. "It is a relief that he is fine and well, he is a very good horse and it will be fantastic to see him at Goodwood against those that have led the way so far this campaign. Stablemate Afandem will attempt to maintain his unbeaten record when stepping up to Pattern-race company for the first time in Sunday's Group Two Prix Eugene Adam at Maisons-Laffitte. The son of Zoffany made it three from three last time out with victory in a Listed event at Compiegne. Herbert said: "He is another horse that is held in high regard by Jean-Claude. He was impressive in winning a Listed race last time. "He is taking a step up, but he is a pretty decent sort and it was decided he should take his chance at this level. "It is a highly competitive race, but the right sort of race for him to be running in. We will know where we stand with him after this."
