CHANTILLY - 16th April
Trainer of the day : Yann Barberot (104, 306)
Jockey of the day : Pierre-Charles Boudot (102, 208, 606, 806)
Horse of the day : Green Focus (801)
Dark Horse : Wuayra (406)
Race 1
1. SCALA REGIA - Finished a creditable 5th in a similar contest prior to a break. Lack of fitness and wide draw not ideal but is capable
2. AGUA DE VALENCIA - Proven at this level of competition. Drawn wide on her return but engaging of PCB bodes well for her chances - respect
3. MAYTIME - Moderate performer this season albeit off higher ratings. Nearing a competitive mark now so could improve
4. CRY BABY - Solid performer at this level recently so ticks more boxes than most. Deserves reward for her consistency and Soumillon could provide her that
5. AMAANI - Six-start maiden with moderate form. Continues to slide down the ratings but is best watched for now
6. IKEN WATER - Capable of earning on best form though recent efforts inspire little confidence. Outside chance
7. DARRELL RIVERS - Veteran mare debuting at this level. Most recent win was on this surface in a claimer - unlikely threat in this company
8. MAGIC SONG - Belatedly opened her account over 1600m two starts back but made little impression off this rating in a similar contest last time. Overlook
9. SHANAWEST - Not disgraced last time when finishing a close-up 6th in a Quinte handicap over 1900m. Has earning potential
10. PANAMERAS - Bounced back with a solid 4th last time in a race of this nature on the turf (heavy going). Can stake a claim if confirming on this surface
11. GIGRETTE - Makes little appeal on current form but could surprise if reproducing her best. Not to be written off just yet
12. ARCADIA - Veteran mare who should strip fitter with a comeback run under her belt. Is capable of better than recent form would suggest
13. FONS SALERA - Relocated from Germany in late 2017 and has made three starts since. Runner-up in her last two outings both in claimers - has more to do now
14. BALLE REELLE - Is at her best on this surface but she has been disappointing this year. Could surprise if able to recapture earlier form - watch for now
15. CHERIES AMOURS - Has gone off the boil this year and continues to slide down the ratings as a result. Makes little appeal on current form
16. DES ANNEES FOLLES - Much-improved last start in an 1100m Quinte+ on the turf. Could stake a claim if confirming that form over this trip and on this surface
Summary
Typically competitive Quinte handicap and a case can be made for several of these. However none make more appeal than (4) CRY BABY who has been holding her own in similar contests of late. She is suited to the surface and well drawn with Soumillon in the irons so should feature prominently. (10) PANAMERAS could pose a threat if building on an improved last start although the same could be said of bottom-weight (16) DES ANNEES FOLLES. Both (2) AGUA DE VALENCIA and (1) SCALA REGIA have wide draws to negotiate on their return to action but are capable on their day. (9) SHANAWEST is not without a chance either.
Selections
(4) CRY BABY - (10) PANAMERAS - (16) DES ANNEES FOLLES - (2) AGUA DE VALENCIA - (1) SCALA REGIA - (9) SHANAWEST - (3) MAYTIME - (11) GIGRETTE
Race 2
1. ROC ANGEL - Last-start winner over the course and distance. Still on the up and can go in again
2. LA FIBRE - Successful in a 1500m Quinte on the all-weather last time. Not without a chance reverting to turf
3. NOBLE CLIFFS - Sparingly raced so must have his issues. Has shown little to get excited about - overlook
4. MATE STORY - Group winner at two but unraced at three. Has fitness concerns but is unexposed - watch
5. JAZZ MELODIE - Consistent throughout a productive 2017 and has scope for further improvement. Eachway chance
6. NORMANDY SPIRIT - Produced a smart comeback effort when 2nd over 1400m on the fibresand. Fitter now more to offer
7. HIGH DREAM - Useful sort but still a maiden after five starts and unlikely to open his account here. Outsider
8. AMBIVALENCE - Lightly raced filly with untapped potential. Last seen in June when runner-up in a Listed race
9. ASFAAR - Not beaten far on her return after a year out. Would have come on since but others preferred
10. EBAMOUR - Capable handicapper who went off the boil towards the end of last year. Best watched on his return
11. SEGRA - Smart filly 3rd in a Listed race in November in just her fourth start. Open to improvement
12. FOLIE DE LOUISE - Model of consistency last seen finishing 3rd in an October Listed race over 1800m. Has a chance
13. GROOVY FILLY - Has shown ability in three winless outings. Looks outclassed on her return but could be winning soon
Summary
Whatever the outcome a few of these are worth following and could have bright futures. (1) ROC ANGEL improved with each start after a break culminating in a last-start success over this trip on the fibresand. He is equally adept on the turf and could have even more to offer so is given the nod. However both (4) MATE STORY and (8) AMBIVALENCE are well-above average and can make their presence felt if race-fit after respective layoffs. (6) NORMANDY SPIRIT who has the benefit of a comeback run under his belt could also earn. Nice race!
Selections
(1) ROC ANGEL - (4) MATE STORY - (8) AMBIVALENCE - (6) NORMANDY SPIRIT
Race 3
1. ELDANZA - Won readily on debut and with a bit in hand. Could have a touch of class about her - follow
2. MONETTE - Workmanlike winner on debut over this trip at Bordeaux-Le Bouscat. Would have come on since
3. AWESOME DAY - Justified market support when beating male rivals on debut. Open to any amount of improvement
4. SIGN O'THE TIME - Start-to-finish winner in the snow at Saint-Cloud and has changed hands since. Warrants respect
5. IMOTEP - Dislodged her rider at the start when quietly fancied on debut. Could make amends
6. RUNWAY - Well-beaten 2nd behind Eldanza in her only start. Can pose more of a threat on these terms
7. PROPOSE A TOAST - Runner-up beaten five lengths over the course and distance on debut. Track experience is a plus
Summary
A good standard for a two-year-old race with four debut winners in the line-up. (1) ELDANZA was most impressive when skating clear of (6) RUNWAY to justify favouritism at Fontainebleau and she can confirm superiority over that rival despite a weight turnaround. (3) AWESOME DAY and (4) SIGN O'THE TIME made most of the running when scoring at the first attempt. Both receive weight from the selection so could also pose a threat if allowed to dictate terms.
Selections
(1) ELDANZA - (6) RUNWAY - (3) AWESOME DAY - (4) SIGN O'THE TIME
Race 4
1. LE GITAN - Ultra-consistent. Dual winner at this level and should be competitive back in this grade
2. NIMOCIS - Last-start winner who has found his niche racing at this level of competition. One to beat
3. QATAR SUNSHINE - Not disgraced last time in finishing a close-up 8th at this level. Place chance
4. GLORIA - Improved with each outing this year and has earning potential dropping to this class
5. MASHIANA - German raider. Made the expected improvement to win at the second attempt and has more to offer
6. WUAYRA - Last-start winner at handicap level when racing on the turf for the first time.
7. JOE THE TINKER - Still a maiden after 11 starts and recent form makes little appeal. Others preferred
8. COOL THE JETS - Improved last start at this level on the fibresand. Must confirm reverting to the turf
9. BOMBETTA - Capable of earning on best form but her recent efforts inspire little confidence. Overlook
10. SO SORA - Has disappointed in her last four starts albeit off higher ratings. Capable of better
11. NEW HORIZONS - Not disgraced in finishing 8th of nine on debut. Wasn't beaten a long way and can improve
12. TISHKA - Limited in terms of ability but did record her best finish (3rd) at this level. Outsider
13. LADY SOLDIER - Displayed useful ability in both starts last year. Not seen since July so has fitness doubts
Summary
(2) NIMOCIS is proven at this level and won a similar contest over 1400m last time. He will be untroubled by the drop in trip so could follow up racing off the same mark. German raider (5) MASHIANA is open to any amount of improvement in just her third start and she could pose the biggest threat to the selection. However consistent top-weight (1) LE GITAN can also make his presence felt. (6) WUAYRA is the lurker in the pack.
Selections
(2) NIMOCIS - (5) MASHIANA - (1) LE GITAN - (6) WUAYRA
Race 5
1. LILLY KAFEINE - Progressive sort. Wasn't winning out of turn last time and should be competitive again
2. MAHARO - Completed a hat-trick of course wins last time. Unbeaten over the track and trip - big player
3. BLACK CANYON - Has failed to build on the promise of a debut 4th in two subsequent starts. Switches surfaces now
4. IN THE LOPE - Course-and-distance winner who has maintained consistency on his travels. For the shortlist
5. ORIENTAL - Versatile and consistent colt. Makes his comeback racing off a career-high rating - watch for now
6. GREEN BAY - Won a fibresand handicap at Deauville over this trip on his comeback. Could have more to offer
7. MY SCHOLAR - Not seen since beaten a neck in a Listed race in April 2017. Could be anything trying this surface
8. GHADAAYER - Finished 3rd over 1600m last time - her first start since relocating from the UK. More needed
9. NONZA - Lightly raced smart filly. Course-and-distance winner last time and should have more to give
10. COPYING - Would have needed her last start after a lengthy absence. Has ability but may be short a run
11. MAROBOB - Won a handicap over this trip off a lower mark in November. Appears vulnerable in this line-up
12. BHAGEERATHI - Been in good form recently at handicap level. Won her only start on this surface - could surprise
13. ACMAYAG - Ran with promise at a big price (76/1) when 2nd on debut over the course and distance. Improver
Summary
Hard to assess. (2) MAHARO seems to thrive on this surface and his continued improvement makes him a hard horse to bet against. Last-start winner (1) LILLY KAFEINE concedes weight to all but should be competitive nonetheless so too (4) IN THE LOPE who can be expected to give another honest account. Returning duo (7) MY SCHOLAR and (NP) ORIENTAL are both capable if at their best after respective layoffs. (6) GREEN BAY and (9) NONZA won on their returns and may have more to offer. Intriguing contest!
Selections
(2) MAHARO - (1) LILLY KAFEINE - (4) IN THE LOPE - (7) MY SCHOLAR
Race 6
1. FLAUTO - Specialist fibresand performer over this trip. Can make his presence felt
2. MAJORELLE - Won a course-and-distance handicap in February but has not reproduced that form in subsequent starts
3. SHAMS BRAZILERO - Has run well on this surface in better races. Returns from a layoff but lots in his favour
4. WORLD POWER - Finished 3rd in a similar contest over the track and trip last time. Has another place chance
5. CARLTON CHOICE - Soundly beaten in last two starts in Quinte+ handicaps. Should fare better at this level
6. GNILY - Slightly disappointing in recent starts at handicap level. Could make amends in this grade
7. ADORABLE JULIA - Showed signs of improvement when a close-up 5th last time. Has scope for further progress
8. JAMIE'S VENTURE - German raider. Has done little to get excited about in five starts - hard to make a case for
9. RIPAZUR - Returned to form last time when 4th in a similar contest over track and trip. Could confirm
10. CAPTIVE - Has nothing to show from 14 starts. Obviously limited and unlikely to pose a threat
11. PRIVATE MONEY - Poor recent form off higher ratings but is capable of better at this level off a lower mark
12. UNDISCOVERED ANGEL - Battling 12-start maiden. Could make the frame if reproducing very best but others are preferred
Summary
(3) SHAMS BRAZILERO has run with merit off his current rating in all three of his fibresand outings. He returns from a spell out of action but this drop in class coupled with his rider's 4kg claim make him the horse to beat. (6) GNILY has struggled for consistency at handicap level but should pose more of a threat back in this grade. (1) FLAUTO's only success came in a similar contest and he can make his presence felt if reproducing recent efforts over this trip.
Selections
(3) SHAMS BRAZILERO - (6) GNILY - (1) FLAUTO - (4) WORLD POWER
Race 7
1. HIGHLAND DRAGON - Runner-up in a Quinte+ handicap last time. Hard to oppose back in this grade
2. REBEL LIGHTNING - Capable of earning on best form although recent efforts inspire little confidence
3. MOGADISHIO - Admirable veteran. Continues to run well chasing a hat-trick of wins - expect a brave bid
4. SHAMATORIO - Last-start winner at handicap level over 1500m. Unlikely to repeat given resultant penalty
5. PORSENNA - Outclassed on the turf last time but that run is best ignored. Capable on earlier form - consider
6. ARBOL DE HUMO - Has struggled for consistency in handicaps off a higher rating. Could show more in this grade
7. CATUSHABA - Has become unreliable of late and is better than her recent form suggests. Capable on her day
8. FAST CHARLIE - Last-start winner at this level off his current rating. More to do now but has Eachway claims
9. THAILAND - Steadily holding form and seldom far off the action. Will be thereabout again - place chance
10. ARMORICA - Moderate performer for some time now. Continues to slide down the ratings as a result - outsider
Summary
A potential match-race between (1) HIGHLAND DRAGON and hat-trick seeking veteran (3) MOGADISHIO. The latter has recorded back-to-back wins at this level off his current rating so should be competitive. However the top-weight was 2nd in a much stronger race (Quinte+ handicap) last time and on that evidence could hold too many guns for these rivals. (8) FAST CHARLIE appears best of the rest.
Selections
(1) HIGHLAND DRAGON - (3) MOGADISHIO - (8) FAST CHARLIE - (9) THAILAND
Race 8
1. GREEN FOCUS - Followed up comeback win with a solid 2nd off her current rating last time. Makes most appeal
2. UPENDI - Was 3rd in a Quinte+ handicap on turf two starts back. Recent form on this surface is uninspiring
3. RAJELINE - Last-start winner here over 1600m. Tougher task given penalty but not without a chance
4. ASAP - Showed promise early on when racing on the turf but is not the same horse on this surface
5. ATLAMOUR - Has made little impression in recent starts here but drops in class and Soumillon rides. Watch
6. DIVINE LEONE - Overdue maiden winner at 15th attempt. Erratic on this surface but could could pop in this grade
7. END OF STORY - Back in business with the blinkers on in last two starts. Capable on this surface and in this grade
8. ARPANI - Has struggled for consistency of late but without disgracing herself. Can surprise if on her day
9. BAT ALOUFAT - Appears to have lost her way and tumbled down the ratings as a result. Can pop up on these terms
10. LAVINIA ROSE - Improved last start when 4th here in a handicap over 1300m. Can feature prominently if confirming
11. ETOILE DE MER - Poor recent form here in handicaps over further but can show more dropped in trip off lower mark
12. LA PETITE NIECE - Seven-start maiden who has appeared limited. Was a career-best 4th here over 1500m in February
13. ISLAND IN THE SKY - Poor recent form is probably reflective of her chances and others are preferred
14. LIGHT OF THE WORLD - Improved when 2nd at Deauville two starts back but failed to confirm last time. Unrelaible
15. PRIVATE SCHOOL - Had several re-opposing rivals behind her on the turf last time. Unlikely to confirm on fibresand
16. FRANKO FOLIE - Difficult to make a case for. Could surprise on her day but difficult to know what to expect
Summary
(1) GREEN FOCUS made a winning comeback earlier this year and confirmed her wellbeing off her revised rating last time when 2nd at this venue over 1500m. The drop back to 1400m could find her out early on but she will be running at them in the finish and is taken to resume winning ways. (10) LAVINIA ROSE has patchy form at handicap level but is probably better on this surface and in this grade. She could prove best of the rest although last-start winner (3) RAJELINE could have a say despite a penalty for her recent success.
Selections
(1) GREEN FOCUS - (10) LAVINIA ROSE - (3) RAJELINE - (6) DIVINE LEONE - (7) END OF STORY
REIMS - 16th April
Trainer of the day : Jean-Luc Dersoir (109, 207, 716)
Jockey of the day : Yoann Lebourgeois (310, 502, 612, 807)