Assessor aims for encore

Assessor is the sole British runner in tomorrow's Group One Prix Royal-Oak (French St Leger) at Longchamp, following the defection of last year's winner, Moonax. The Richard Hannon-trained Assessor, to be ridden by Richard Hughes, won the 1992 running of the event and ran a good race when chasing home Further Flight in the Jockey Club Cup last time.

The six-year-old faces stiff competition in Sunshack and Always Earnest, winners this year of the Coronation Cup and Prix du Cadran respectively.

The Rae Guest-trained Millyant attempts to repeat last year's success in the Group Three Prix du Petit Couvert over five furlongs on the same card. Other British runners in that sprint are Hannon's Fire Dome and Martin Fetherston- Godley's Ayr Gold Cup winner, Royale Figurine.

n The Group One Gran Criterium, Italy's premier juvenile race which was due to be run in Milan tomorrow, will not now take place owing to industrial action by stable lads.