Victor Ludorum heads a field of nine for Monday’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Deauville.

The Andre Fabre-trained colt suffered a shock defeat on his return at ParisLongchamp earlier this month, but will get the chance to redeem himself, and add a second Group One triumph to his CV, in the first French Classic of the season.

Alson is another Group One winner and will be having his first start for Fabre, who can also call on the Coolmore-owned Arapaho.

The Summit had Victor Ludorum back in third in the Prix de Fontainebleau and will try to confirm that form, while second-placed Ecrivain and fourth Kenway are also in opposition again.

Impressive conditions race winner Shinning Ocean takes a leap in class, with Celestin and Reshabar completing the line up.

The fillies’ equivalent, the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, has 12 contenders topped by Fabre’s Tropbeau, third in the Cheveley Park Stakes and winner of her trial on her seasonal bow.

Dream And Do, Tickle Me Green and Ellerslie Lace finished directly behind her on her ParisLongchamp reappearance and they all reoppose.

Simeen registered a smooth success on her comeback in a conditions race and is a leading candidate for Jean-Claude Rouget and the Aga Khan.