Racing: Zarin for Harcourt

The stands will be empty at Saint-Cloud today and, on this occasion, not just due to the paucity of racegoers at the Paris tracks. A strike by racing trade unions has halted the sport in France, although a suspension of industrial action – too late to save Saint-Cloud's Group Three Prix Edmond Blanc – pending the outcome of talks with racing's rulers, France Galop, next Wednesday, means that tomorrow's Longchamp card will go ahead.

The relaxation of the unions' stance will enable Ray White's Zarin to take his chance in the Group Two Prix d'Harcourt under Jimmy Fortune. The Doncaster Mile second is one of 11 runners declared for the Harcourt, including the Sheikh Mohammed-owned Jomana, winner of the Group Three Prix Exbury.

François Doumen's classy Foundation Spirit may also have a leading role to play and will lack nothing in fitness after winning at Cagnes-sur-Mer. Frankie Dettori will ride the useful Italian raider Sunstrach.

* Red Bullet, winner of the 2000 Preakness Stakes, is one of four Grade One winners tackling the five-runner Gulfstream Park Handicap today.