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The progressive three-year-old Big Rock was ultra-impressive in the Group 3 Prix de Guiche at Chantilly this afternoon and stamps his French Derby claims…

Big Rock completed a four-timer on Tuesday when landing the 1m1f Group 3 Prix de Guiche in emphatic style at Chantilly. The rapidly progressive three-year-old barely came out of a common canter to reward favourite (6/5f) backers and looks to have a touch star quality about him.

Having broken nicely jockey Aurelien Lemaitre was more than happy to send his mount to the front where he was allowed to dictate matters as he pleased. The pair could be spotted travelling much the best as the field of seven turned for home and it was obvious; he had his rivals in trouble from a long way out. A brief shake of the reigns saw the son of Rock Of Gibraltar quicken up nicely in testing conditions and the colt was eventually eased down for a commanding five-length success. Horizon Doré, who finished fifth behind Big Rock in the G3 Prix La Force at Longchamp thirty days ago, plugged on best for second. Grey Tornado finished a further four lengths back in third.

The Christopher Head-trained runner should have no issues stepping up to 1m2 ½ f in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club at the same venue next month and also holds an entry in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp in July.

The facile success has seen Big Rock leap to the head of the Prix du Jockey Club market where he is now a general 11/4.

Two recent winners of this race have subsequently gone on to win the Classic three weeks later – Almanzor in 2016 and last year's victor Vadeni. Both were trained by Jean-Claude Rouget who had two runners in this year's race – Rajapour and Padishakh – failing to fire on the heavy track.

Meanwhile winning trainer Christopher Head will saddle up Blue Rose Cen in Sunday's French 1000 Guineas where she is expected to start a short-priced favourite with a current quote of 5/4 for the Classic.