THERE has been plenty of false starts and cautious excitement, but the French are firmly back in action on Monday.
And the sport returns with a bang with Group races and Classic hopefuls aplenty on show. But what should punters be keeping an eye on?
The Ground
Us Brits may have been basking in the sunshine over the past week, but the same can’t be said of the Parisians.
Heavy rain has fallen over the last day or so and the track at ParisLongchamp is reported to be ‘Very Soft’ with more rain forecast.
Keep that in mind on a card full of short-priced fancies and be sure to check the latest updates on Monday morning, especially if you intend to dust of your euros.
Bookie Reactions
The starved British bookmakers will be hoping to fill their empty brown bags during what will undoubtedly be a card of interest to punters this side of the Channel.
The firms will also be hoping the classier races – with the likes of Victor Ludorum a Guineas or even Derby possible and Sottsass a Royal Ascot and Arc contender – may stoke some antepost flames.
But with international travel restrictions up in the air, French horses not certain to be able to run in Britain anytime soon and any programme far from set in stone, I’d be keeping any antepost urges to a minimum for now.
A Potential Star Returns
Andre Fabre knows a thing or two about training thoroughbreds for Classics and in unbeaten Victor Ludorum, he looks to have another ace up his sleeve.
He returns in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau (11.55) over the mile he was successful in in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. He carries no penalty and has proven form with dig in the ground.
But he’ll undoubtedly be a short-price and this is no formality. However, if he is to be a French Derby prospect or even a English Guineas hopeful – all options reportedly remain on the table – then this son of Sharmadal should be taking the spoils.
Make sure you tune in. There will be a number of British trainers eyeing up what they may be coming up against down the line.
Clash of the Fillies
The most competitive race of the day may well be the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte (12.25) for three-year-old fillies and pits Fabre against Freddy Head.
Fabre’s Tropbeau was last seen third in the Group 1 Cheveley Park behind Jessica Harrington’s Millisle. As well as an obvious guide to that form, it will tell us whether this filly is potentially up to competing at the top table of three-year-olds.
A step up in trip will undoubtedly suit Tropbeau, but in Head’s Khayzaraan she’ll have a serious battle on her hands.
She went two from three as a juvenile, and while this is her sternest test to date by some way, the potential is there for all to see and her breeding suggests she should thrive even more this season.
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Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/unbridled-passions-jockey-cameron-noble-reveals-his-secret-love-outside-of-racing-for-exotic-pets
