Les trois ans sur les haies en 2021

This is my first attempt at reviewing and rating French races. While forgiveness for alarming errors might be nice, corrections to my observations and processes will be greatly appreciated!

09/03/2021 Prix d'Essai des Poulains (A) Compiègne 3,200m Très souple (4,1)
Race review
This looked the weaker of the two divisions beforehand in terms of trainers and pedigrees represented. It also looked the weaker in the contest itself. The early pace was slow and the winning time 9.31 seconds slower than the second group. Several of the fancied runners jumped poorly and the proximity of the runner-up devalues the form as he had been well beaten on two flat outings last Autumn. Notwithstanding, the runner-up jumped particularly well and the winner did finish strongly so there is still some promise in this field.

Latino des Isles, following the withdrawal of Odiago, was the sole representative of Arnaud Chaille-Chaille - a trainer with a strong record in the discipline and a couple of placings in this contest. A son of Martaline (Beaumec de Houelle, Nirvana du Berlais, Kotkikova), out of Prix Sagan third Isle Enchantee and from the family of Isle, Mesange Royale and Royaleety, Latino des Isles is bred to flourish as a young hurdler. Held up in midfield, he largely jumped well apart from slightly steadying into the second, sixth and seventh. He was restrained prior to the turn for home and jumped the penultimate flight in last position. The field was still tightly grouped however and while he wandered somewhat up the straight, he ran on strongly from the run-in to grab victory strides from the line. Given that the field finished in a bunch, the runner-up had twice been well beaten on the flat and the winning time was moderate, the bare form is not up to a great standard. Nevertheless, Latino des Isles emerges from the contest with a great deal of promise and with experience, should leave this performance behind. 55.0

Boogie achieved little in a pair of flat outings at Clairefontaine and Saint-Cloud last Autumn, and neither his breeding nor connections suggested that his going off as outside was inappropriate. However, Boogie gave a revelatory performance, leading from the outset and posting much the best round of hurdling in the field. But for the strong finish of Latino des Isles, Boogie looked likely to pull off the upset and he emerges with credit for extending his advantage over the remainder of the field. He was the beneficiary of sound jumping and optimal tactics which gives him less scope than a few of his rivals. Notwithstanding, he ought to have a future in the discipline and while the bigger races look beyond his capacity, Boogie should have little problem gaining compensation in a lesser contest. 54.5

Hunion Delablaire represented one of the less prolific stables in the field and while sire Feel Like Dancing has had a winner in the division, the pedigree suggests that he will be more a long term prospect. Another settled in midfield, Hunion Delablaire made only minor errors during the contest but he did find himself outpaced leaving the back. He was able to get within a length of the lead at the final hurdle, but was unable to make further inroads and lost a position on the run-in. Hunion Delablaire is a horse with some ability, although he may need a sterner test before he begins to fulfil his potential. 53.0

Red Alex, representing a David Cottin who does respectably in debutant races, is a half-brother to Rouge Vif and uncle of Ozamo. With a distaff line full of talented chasers, jumping should be in the blood of Red Alex. However, after being steady and/or close between the third and fifth hurdles, his hurdling deteriorated even further over the final three flights where he was close and untidy to the extent that Anthony Renard did well to maintain the partnership. Red Alex tracked the leader throughout and was still in second after the penultimate hurdle. However, the accumulation of errors had a telling effect as he eventually faded into fourth. Red Alex is a horse with ability and develop into a useful prospect, but he needs to become more confident over his hurdles. 52.0

Cadet Vert was the first runner from the magnificent Kotkie family of the season and is a full-brother to last year's useful three-year-old chaser Premier Vert. He started the shorter price of the two Nicolle runners, although sire Network has a stronger record with chasers which already appears to be the future for Cadet Vert. Waited with towards the rear, the giant Cadet Vert jumped perfectly safely with the only criticism being that he was slightly big over a couple. He was not able to land a real blow on the contest, largely running on at the one pace. Nevertheless, he was able to overcome instances of interference despite being green which bodes well for his future. Cadet Vert could be one to look forward to in the Autumn. 51.0

Gibralfaro is from the second crop of Prince Gibraltar and is related to capable hurdling types without any being superstars. Though the second string of the Nicolle pair, he was not unfancied in the betting. Held up in the rear, Gibalfaro was big and slow over the first before being baulked on landing at the second. His next two jumps were of a nervous nature before settling into a better rhythm. Gibralfaro was close enough to challenge after jumping two out but was unable to make an impact and though he suffered slight interference after the last, it was not to any great detriment to his performance. A clearer passage and more assured hurdling might enable him to improve, but there is only moderate encouragement on this evidence. 50.5

Primco is not unfeasibly bred for the discipline as his sire enjoyed reasonable success with his first hurdling crop last year and the damline contains several useful performers. However, Patrice Lenogue is not a prolific trainer and there were no real expectations in the market. Primco was tense during the preliminaries and after losing his rider at the practice hurdle, almost did the same at the first. His jumping, while not perfect, did improve from thereon and he was able to reach a threatening position in the straight. The effort was not sustained however, and Primco would be passed by all but one rival. Although he was not disgraced, Primco looks unlikely to succeed at this standard. 50.0

Monjules was the most experienced horse coming into this contest, although he was unable to be competitive in five outings on the flat including in claiming company. His dam won an ordinary handicap hurdle but little else in his profile indicated he could be dangerous here and this was reflected in the betting. Racing prominently, Mojules was keen in the early stages and made mistakes throughout the contest before trailing in last place. There is no promise on this evidence. 45.0

09/03/2021 Prix d'Essai des Poulains (B,) Compiègne 3,200m Très souple (4,1)
Race review
In comparison to the first division of the season's curtain raiser, this looked the stronger contest as it featured three Lageneste/Macaire runners alongside representatives of Nicolle, Mele, Bressou and Cottin. Compelling pedigrees were also abundant with close relatives of Buddy Banks, Feu Follet, Oculi, Saint Calvados and Terrific featuring among the runners. In the event, it was the son of the latter named, the appropriately named Impressive, who landed the spoils. The pace was honest and not only was the winning time 9.31 seconds faster than the first division, but it was also the quickest of any renewal of the race since it was switched from Enghien (albeit on the firmest ground). Furthermore, the prominent positions were filled by those entitled to be there and the margins were respectable. If there is a caveat, it is that Surprising, a claimer on the flat, was likely to finish third but for falling at the last. Notwithstanding, he was still a dual winner in that sphere and the front two look like highly promising types regardless.

Impressive was the longest priced of the three Macaire entries, but was still representing a yard with seven previous wins in the contest. The progeny of Kapgarde invariably improve with age, but plenty of his offspring are capable of good form as three year olds including Want Of A Nail who appears at 3/2 on Impressive's damline. Initially ridden with restraint, he made steady headway during the second circuit and travelled strongly to jump the penultimate flight with a share of the lead. Impressive cleared the last with a length's advantage and he readily increased his superiority after being gently shaken up prior to being eased before the post to run out a very comfortable two-and-a-half length winner. His jumping was very proficient for a debutant with the only possible qualm over his round being that he was slightly steady and close to the sixth. The ease of his success was far greater than the margin between himself and the runner-up who also jumped very well, and the winning time was very commendable. While it is imprudent to overestimate a horse's potential after a solitary run, particularly in the context of a debutant race, the limited evidence is overwhelmingly positive. Though the writer selfishly wishes to see Impressive find a new home abroad, he should be a horse to look forward to regardless of his location. 61.0

Tonguetted is a stablemate of Impressive and being the mount of James Reveley, was the shortest price of the three Macaire runners. Another son of Kapgarde, Tonguetted is a nephew of Buddy Banks who won this race in 2015 ahead of a successful Autumn chasing campaign. Tracking the leaders throughout, he put in a clean round of hurdling and held every chance up the straight. Though he could not match the winner for finishing pace, Tonguetted still ran on strongly to finish seven lengths clear of the remainder. This was a perfectly satisfactory debut and although he may struggle to reverse placings with Impressive, Tonguetted has a future in the game and can reach a decent standard. 58.0

Master Vision was one of three runners for Francois Nicolle across the two divisions, and probably emerged with the most credit of the trio. A son of Vision d'Etat (De Bon Coeur), Master Vision is a full-brother to the stable's useful chaser of last season, Solenzera Senam. Ridden to race in close order, his position was often compromised by untidy and ill-judged hurdling - particularly at the eighth where he was close to tipping over. He turned for home in fifth and was able to make up a place prior to the last where he was left in third. Nevertheless, he posed no threat to the front pair. This was not an effort without promise although his hurdling will need to improve if he is to progress. 54.5

Fou du Roi was the first runner for sire Triple Threat over obstacles, but his being a half-brother to the top class Feu Follet no doubt contributed to his starting as the clear favourite. Sent into a clear lead by Kévin Nabet, Fou du Roi did not jump badly per se, but there was a marked tendency to jump right handed. He was brought to the stands side in the straight in an attempt to offset same, but this caused him to skew and forfeit his lead from where he would fade into fourth. Better was clearly expected, but his habit needs to be arrested lest he struggle to be competitive in the decent French races which are predominantly contested on left-handed circuits. 51.5

Saint Isabe is by the powerful Saint Des Saints, although while he is a nephew of the capable Horse Maha, his was not the strongest pedigree on offer. Held up in touch, his jumping was largely sound if a little big on occasion. However, he was unable to make any impact on the contest and while he can develop with time and experience, Saint Isabe is not an obvious star in the making. 49.0

Ilvientdela Baie can count Magneto, who also finished sixth in this race last season, as a relative at 3/3, but he is not the most precociously bred. Held up in the rear, his race was an uneventful one as while he hurdled sufficiently save for an error at the sixth, he never reached a threatening position prior to finishing over thirty lengths behind the winner. Ilvientdela Baie's safe jumping might make him of interest in a lesser contest, but he will need to improve to be competitive at a major track. 45.0

Lorddelouest's closest notable relative is a cross-country chaser and being by Lord du Sud, his future lies over further in due course. He ran an uneventful race, jumping safely without ever leaving the rear. 43.5

Treasure Keeper had negligible prospects on breeding and was representing a trainer having his first runner in such a contest. His chances were reflected by large odds and by his performance. Though initially taking the lead, mistakes saw him drop quickly to the rear and he became detached down the back straight. Treasure Keeper was pulled up before jumping two out. 35.5

Bathystik is out of a winning hurdler and his granddam won the Prix Sagan in 1993. Saint Calvados is another close relative, but a likable pedigree did not resonate in the betting. In any case, Bathystik landed steeply at the first and was unable to stay on his feet. Mercifully, he appeared to be none the worse for his tumble. 0.0

Surprising was the surprise package of the contest as while he was competing in claiming company on the flat, he was in the process of running a good race when unseating at the last. He broke his maiden at Nancy last September whereafter he was claimed out of the Eoghan O'Neill yard for €12,000. After twice finishing down the field, he won again over 1,650 meters when last seen at Amiens in October. His €10,000 tag did not attract any buyers, but despite unfavourable breeding and the moderate record of his trainer, he was not totally unfancied on his hurdling debut starting at 14/1. Settled behind the pacesetter, his jumping was respectable with only minor scruples on his approaches to the second and fifth flights. Surprising took off at the penultimate flight with a share of the lead but a combination of fatigue and absentmindedness saw him misjudge the last where he gave Nicolas Gauffenic no chance of maintaining the partnership. Whether he would have held on for third is debatable, and his proximity in the contest could potentially anchor the form. Nevertheless, his flat experience did give him something of an edge and a decent showing was not unexpected. Surprising lacks the scope of his rivals and would have few pretentions of being this competitive at a major venue. Nevertheless, he could be a good value purchase who can collect more wins at the provincial racecourses. 54.5

Wednesday sees the introduction of the fillies to the division in Compiegne's Prix d'Essai des Pouliches. While not as strong as the Prix Wild Monarch, it can be spoken of in the same bracket as the Auricula, Geographie and Finot. Traditionally, it is not a race which generally attracts the interest of foreign buyers with Never Adapt (Nicky Henderson 2018), Magie du Ma (David Pipe 2016) and Miss Tique (Venetia Williams 2011) the only purchases of note. Domestically, the race's most successful graduates was probably Francois Nicolle's A Mi Manera (2016), while Caresse d'Estruval landed the Magne/de Chambly/d'Iena treble in 2015 and Kada Rique won the latter two in 2014.

Here are the records of the sires and trainers with declared runners in Wednesday's contest.
General sire and trainer statistics.*


Pedigrees
Lassana bf Sebastien Culin f8-0-5 (32.0) 33.5
Nathaniel (Sageburg){22-b}(0.71) 2/1 La Route 1st 3yo Conditions Hurdle, Lyon Parilly 2007
2/2 La Joyeuse Sage 3/1 Lost Angel 60.0 14-2-7
With Me chf Yoeri Mathijs f17-2-12 (32.5) 36.5
Kheleyf (Septieme Ciel){7-f}(3.50) 2/1 Mundo 2nd Prix Roger Saint (L,4yC), Enghien 2007
0.5 Black Bolt 3/3 Amore Alato 4/5 Libaute
Star In Chope grf Mickael Seror f4-0-0 (27.0) 29.0 (Cedric Boutin)
Vale Of York (Panis){20-d}(0.82) 2/1 Vandaletta 1st 4yo Conditions Chase, Pau 2018
2/1 Pastel De Nata 5/3 Hargam
Idylle du Seuil grf Mickael Seror Unraced
Gris de Gris (Robin des Champs){8-f}(0.45) 2/0 Paula de Vilaine 1st Conditions Chase, Vittel 1999
2/1 Polo du Seuil
Iris du Seuil bf Mickael Seror Unraced
American Devil (Anabaa Blue){4-r}(1.86) 1/1 Heaven du Seuil 1st 3yo Claiming Hurdle, Les Sables-d'Olonne 2020
5/3 Master Dino
Sparkling Gem grf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Silver Frost (Muhtathir){16}(3.00) 2/0 Hunorisk 1st Prix Finot (L), Auteuil 2004
2/1 Otto The Great 2/2 Lolla Belle 4/1 Grand Seigneur
Matera bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Turgeon (Muhtathir){8-c}(2.00) 1/1 Tavera 1st Prix James Hennessy (L), Auteuil 2017
2/1 Madushka 3/1 Bon Tresor 4/1 Grand Tresor
Emakume Aske Bat chf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Nicaron (Martaline){4-i}(0.67) 2/1 Roi Mage 3rd Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (G1), Auteuil 2019
1/0 Ribambelle 2/0 Royale Majesty 2/1 My Way
Gilda chf Francois-Marie Cottin Unraced
Prince Gibraltar (Creachadoir){7-e}(0.67) 2/2 Bernardo Bellotto 2nd Prix General de Saint-Didier (G3), Compiegne 2018
2/1 Syphax 4/1 Video Rock
Calodyne bf David Windrif Unraced
Jeu St Eloi (Chichicastenango){1-w}(0.60) 2/0 New Saga 2nd Prix Achille-Fould (L), Auteuil 2006
0.5 Garylou 2/1 Nom de Famille 3/1 Nickname
Royale Margaux chf Jerome Larrigade Unraced
Doctor Dino (Villez){1-e}(1.00) 0.5 Royale Pagaille 1st Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (G2,156), Haydock 2021
0.5 Royal Astarania 1/0 Royale Cazoumaille 2/2 Roll On Has
La Cuenta bf David Windrif f1-0-0
Choeur du Nord (Martaline){8-c}(0.33) 2/1 Vie Royale 1st 3400m Conditions Chase, Enghien 2013
1/0 Viva La Playa 3/1 Vodka Bleu
Rhelighonne bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Great Pretender (Poliglote){22-d}(0.63) 2/0 Eliga 1st Prix Andre Michel (G3), Auteuil 2008
2/1 Srelighonn 2/1 Trheliga 4/1 Tataniano
Mi Aime A Ou bf Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Jeu St Eloi (Robin des Champs){20-a}(0.71) 0.5 Piton des Neiges 1st Gran Corsa Siepi d'Italia (G1), Merano 2020
3/1 Card'son 3/1 Djagble 3/2 Blingless
Itours Brun grf Donatien Sourdeau de Beauregard Unraced
Free Port Lux (Dom Alco){2-i}(0.71) 2/1 Jeux Olympiques 1st 4100m AQPS Steeple Chase, Auteuil 2002
1/0 Valgardena 3/0 Mamoussia 3/1 Haut Cercy
Place Morny bf Butel & Beaunez Unraced
Davidoff (Evasive){5-h}(0.71) 2/1 La Madeleine 3rd Prix Amadou (G2), Auteuil 2016
1/0 Place des Ternes 2/1 La Goutte d'Or
I Run bf Mathieu Pitart Unraced
Elliptique (Doyen){4-r}(0.50) 0.5 Sidelskie 3rd 4200m Conditions Hurdle, Argentan 2020
3/2 Notre Jury 3/4 Nurmi 4/1 Network
Dantza Basc bf Erwan Grall Unraced ns€2000 Osarus 2019
Davidoff (Astarabad){3-i}(0.57) 2/1 Grand Spectacle 6th Prix Cambaceres (G1), Auteuil 2011
1/0 Castagna 3/1 Aficion 4/1 Bazas

*In the opening post, I erroneously stated information drawn from France Galop and records all 3YO performances over obstacles in France since 2004. The first part of that sentence was true, but the second part WAS INCORRECT. Over the weekend, I learned (to my dismay) that a stallion's record for the season in any given division will only show if the sire had a winner in same. For example, if a stallion had a winner in 2017 and a dozen runners without a win in 2018, my records had those losers discounted which is statistically useless. Indeed, a part of this mishap was my reporting that Charm Spirit had yet to have a three-year-old race over hurdles in France which turned out to be untrue. For this I can only apologise. Accordingly, the statistics shown in the table for sires DO now show their entire record with three-year-olds over obstacles going back to 2008.

In Wednesday's race, there will be two stallions having their first runners over hurdles (I have double checked!)

Elliptique won the 2016 Bayerisches Zuchtrennen but while this was a Group One success, it was not at the highest level. Though not of an imposing nature, he is still a reasonable size and is closely related to useful hurdlers Le Vagabond (1/2) and Superb Story (2/2) along with My Maj's sire Majorien (3/1). New Approach is a capable sire of young hurdlers, although that has not transferred to his own sons at this stage as Dawn Approach and Libertarian have yet to achieve any success in the discipline.

Another resident at Haras de Cercy, Free Port Lux managed two wins at Group Two level on the flat. Standing at 1.70m, he is a giant stamp of a horse, taller than the vast majority of stallions. Though he is by Oasis Dream, whose record as a jumps sire is poor, his pedigree has plenty of stamina. His dam was second in the Prix Vermeille, he is 3/2 with German Derby winner Robertico, and top stayers/jumps sires Ardross, Alflora and Scorpion all descend from his fourth dam. Furthermore, while Oasis Dream is not a good direct sire of jumpers, his own sons often get more than their fair share of winners in the discipline from limited numbers.

Thank you.

Here is the review for Wednesday's contest. Tomorrow will see the the first three-year-old races of the season to be held at Auteuil, the previews for which will be drawn after today's racing at Cheltenham.

17/03/2021 Prix d'Essai des Pouliches Compiègne 3,200m Très lourd (5,3)
The Prix d'Essai des Pouliches has a solid record of producing good fillies, although this year's renewal did not look especially above-average. Contested in bottomless ground, many of the participants struggled with jumping, the ground, or a combination of both. The departure of Rhelighonne and the proximity of Lassana and I Run perhaps further negates the quality of the form. The front pair might develop into useful types, but it would be a surprise if races such as the Auricula, Geographie and Wild Monarch do not have stronger fields.

Mi Aime A Ou, the sole representative of Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, gave her trainer his second victory in this event from four attempts. A half-sister to Italian Grade One winner Piton des Neiges from the family of talented juveniles Card'son, Blingless and Djagble, she continued Jeu St Eloi's respectable start as a sire. Sent off the joint fourth favourite at 12.0, Mi Aime A Ou raced towards the rear of midfield sticking to the inside throughout. She took closer order turning into the straight and was not asked any serious questions until jumping the last whereafter she needed most of the run-in to get past the runner-up. Her cause was not helped by some questionable jumping as she was big over the third, steep at the fifth and did not get high over the last which caused her to land flat footed. That she was able to overcome this round offers promise for her future with natural improvement in this department and while the bare form is not especially strong, she is capable of better form. 54.5

Sparkling Gem was the chosen mount of James Reveley which, in turn, made her the shorter priced of the two Lageneste/Macaire runners. Though her granddam won the Prix Finot and her fourth dam produced Grand Seigneur, this daughter of Silver Frost rather lacked in the depth of pedigree usually found with the stable's youngsters. Nevertheless, she made a pleasing introduction to her career and apart from being big over the fifth and minor errors at the fourth and seventh, her jumping was the best on display. Tracking the leaders from the start, she soon moved into a prominent position and was either sharing or keeping close to the lead from there. A neat jump at the last gave her a clear advantage and was brave in her attempt to fend off the winner, ceding with just 25 metres to run. The pace set was fairly brisk considering the conditions. There has yet to be evidence of acceleration so one can not speculate that more patient tactics could have improved her placing. Nevertheless, breeding and the manner of her finish do suggest that Sparkling Gem could benefit from a sounder surface. 54.5

Lassana does not have the typical jumps pedigree prevalent in this type of company. Nevertheless, in a curious matter, while Nathaniel has had only one winning three-year-old jumper in France from eight, his record with young hurdlers in Britain and Ireland is of the highest standard. Though perhaps more famous for siring Enable, Nathaniel has also produced talented juveniles in Burning Victory, Navajo Pass and Zanahiyr. A common trait of his progeny is their ability to handle soft ground which was helpful in Lassana's performance here. An eight race maiden on the flat, Lassana was keen in the early stages before settling in a prominent position. Apart from slightly steadying into the first, third and sixth, she jumped well from the front and made her only serious mistake at the last when getting very close and blundering badly. This cost Lassana a share of the lead, valuable momentum and any realistic chance of winning the race. The front pair left her from here but she was able to hold on to third. Given her two kilo penalty, this was a creditable performance although it does anchor the form as it far exceeds anything she achieved on the flat. It will be interesting to see if she can replicate this performance as it would be more than enough to win minor races. 54.0

I Run's trainer, Mathieu Pitart, has yet to saddle a winning three-year-old hurdler from eleven attempts in valuable contests. Furthermore, I Run was the first runner over hurdles for 2016 Bayerisches Zuchtrennen winner Elliptique. Though related to winners and from the family of Network, the pedigree is bereft of classy jumpers. These factors made the starting price of 26.0 appear reasonable and the performance was also a fair reflection. Another who started keenly near the front, her jumping featured numerous errors including being big over the sixth, missing the seventh and getting close into the ninth. I Run became outpaced during the straight but was still able to run on at the one pace to the finish, beaten nearly eight lengths at the end. This was a respectable performance and she could prove better over further in time, although there is little to suggest she might reach the upper echelons of this division. 51.0

Itours Brun is another daughter of a debutant stallion, the dual Grade Two winning Free Port Lux. The damline predominantly features those whose greatest success came in staying and cross-country chases and Itours Brun shaped as though that will be her future. Held up in midfield, her progress in the closing stages was more to stamina than acceleration. Itours Brun was also prone to errors and while she was not disgraced, the most appropriate way to describe her at this stage would be unfurnished. 48.0

Emakume Aske Bat was the stablemate of Sparkling Gem which alongside her breeding, made her somewhat disappointing. Nicaron produced Rocknicara and Al Cuarto to win debutant contests and the dam's talented siblings - Roi Mage and My Way - both placed in similar events. However, despite these credentials, Emakume Aske Bat was beaten by almost twenty-two lengths. Tracking the leaders, she was big over the second but was otherwise tidy before her jumping became tired in the straight. It is possible she lacked fitness or struggled in the ground and given her profile, she can be given another chance to prove herself. 44.5

Star In Chope, a daughter of Breeders Cup Juvenile winner Vale Of York and related 3/2 to Valyra, is bred to be a flat horse but achieved little in that sphere. Her switch to hurdling appears to be an afterthought and a performance which saw her lack fluency without leaving the rear, this discipline is unlikely to bring a change in fortune. 31.0

Idylle du Seuil, a stablemate of Star In Chope, has a more appropriate pedigree for the game, albeit one which still offers little encouragement for a high level. Keen in midfield, she made numerous errors before being the last to complete. 31.0

Matera was the longer priced of the two Francois Nicolle runners, but was still the second favourite in the market. A full-sister to listed winner Tavera, and out of a full-sister to Prix Durtain runner-up Madushka, Matera can also count Bon Tresor, Grand Tresor and Cher Tresor among her relatives. Held up but in touch, she turned into the straight close enough to land a challenge. However, she was unable to move into a prominent position and was competing for fifth place when taking a tired fall at the last. Other than getting tight to the sixth, she jumped respectably to that point, although she looks unlikely to replicate Ladyville who was second in this race for connections last season. 47.0

Rhelighonne, by Great Pretender and closely related to Eliga, Trheliga and Srelighonn, was the favourite for the contest and appeared to still be travelling well when falling at the ninth. However, her jumping to that point was still littered with errors and unless she improves in this area, she will be vulnerable in above-average company.

Calodyne has a respectable pedigree which contains the likes of New Saga (2/0), Nom de Famille (2/1), Newness (3/0), Nickname (3/1), N'Avoue Jamais (3/1) to name a few. However, she was sent off the rank outsider and though she had yet to be asked a serious question, she was a long way from the lead when tripping and unseating at the ninth.

La Cuenta, despite having raced once on the flat, is bred to be more a chaser and was not well fancied in the betting. Though there were a few mistakes along the way, she was still just in touch when very badly hampered by the fall of Rhelighonne. This effectively ended her race and was pulled up before two-out. Nevertheless, while it might be worth little, her effort was the most promising of the arrêtée.

Place Morny is out of a half-sister to Prix Amadou third La Madeleine, although her overall profile was not the most compelling and she fared worst of those who raced prominently. Keen in the early stages, she skewed slightly at the first, was close and untidy at the fourth, close and steady at the sixth and low at the eighth. She faded rapidly after the next and was pulled up before the penultimate flight.

Gilda is a distant relative classy jumps sire Video Rock, but did not have the strongest profile here. Racing in midfield, her jumping lacked fluency and she was pulled up before two-out.

Royale Margaux is from the family of some useful juveniles and is a half-sister to Royale Pagaille. However, she was big and often clumsy with her jumping in the rear and made little headway before pulling up turning for home. Possible long term prospect but no immediate promise.

Dantza Basc counts Grand Spectacle (2/1), Aficion (3/1) and Bazas (4/1) among her relatives, but she was unsold after attracting only €2,000 as a yearling and her trainer is without a winner from seventeen in valuable juvenile contests. In the event, Dantza Basc made several errors in the rear and was pulled up a tired horse.

Iris du Seuil never left the rear and jumped poorly before pulling up two out. A full-sister to a winning claimer, that looks to be her level if she has one.

With Me is related to winning jumpers, but Kheleyf has a poor record with hurdlers. Though initially in a fairly prominent position, With Me jumped poorly and dropped through the field before pulling up at the seventh. She won twice on the flat and will have to return to that sphere to find success.

Two intriguing newcomers' contests tomorrow, the Prix Rush for the colts and geldings, and the Prix Auricula for the fillies.

The Prix Rush has a long and solid history of producing young jumpers who regularly make an impact during their initial campaigns. Since 2000, the contest has introduced five winners of the Prix Cambacérès, namely Royaleety, Don Lino, Esmondo, Master Dino and Nirvana du Berlais. Robin Des Champs, Balko and pic d'Orhy are other successful three-year-old hurdlers while recently, Goliath Du Berlais and Edward d'Argent became accomplished young chasers. The race has also produced a good number of successful exports including Sam Winner, Twinlight, Cerium, Twist Magic, Burrows Saint and Terrefort to name but a few. This year's renewal could well be up to scratch, with the yards of Arnaud Chaille-Chaille, Guillaume Macaire and Francois Nicolle represented by close relatives of Tamaroc du Mathan, Top Notch and Queen des Places respectively.

Rhone bg Jehan Bertran de Balanda f6-0-3 (34.0)
Dark Angel (Teofilo){1-b}(0.60) no jumps relatives
Cuzco du Mathan grc Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Martaline (Turgeon){8-g}(0.57) 0.5 Tamaroc du Mathan 1st Pendil Novices' Chase (G2), Kempton 2021
1/0 Thisbee du Mathan 1/1 Bolid du Mathan 2/1 Odeillo du Mathan
Sans Bruit bg Louis Baudron f1-0-0
Triple Threat (Teofilo){14-e}(0.52) 2/1 Toughari 2nd 3yo Maiden Hurdle, Fairyhouse 2020
3/3 Golden Sage
Walfer chg David Windrif Unraced
Masked Marvel (Nickname){4-c}(0.39) 2/1 Full Blast 3rd Prix d'Essai des Poulains, Enghien 2014
1/0 Sainte Apoline 3/1 Easter Day 5/5 The New One
Brainstorm bc Guillaume Macaire Unraced
No Risk At All (Hawk Wing){12-g}(1.00) 2/1 Top Notch 1st 1965 Chase (G2), Ascot 2017
1/0 She Hates Me 0.5 Yes Indeed 0.5 Never Adapt
Na Has bc Francois Nicolle Unraced
Saint Des Saints (Kahyasi){1-k}(0.78) 1/0 Chegei Has 2nd Prix Alain du Breil (G1), Auteuil 2012
0.5 Chata Joana Has 2/1 Nabuco Has 2/1 Nadia Has
Imitateur bg Erwan Grall Unraced
Coastal Path (Octagonal){14-a}(0.87) 1/1 Bosseur 2nd Prix Alain du Briel (G1), Auteuil 2015
1/0 Suite 1/1 Gagneur 2/1 Professeur
Chess Master bg Francois Nicolle f1-0-0
Slickly (Hawk Wing){16-h}(0.87) 1/0 Al Doha 3400m 4yo Conditions Hurdle, Compiegne 2013
0.5 Webmaster 2/0 First Charm 3/1 First Dream
Iceo Madrik bg Francois-Marie Cottin Unraced
Choeur du Nord (Esprit du Nord){9}(1.40) 1/0 Sunday Madrik 1st Prix du Perray (CondF-SC), Auteuil 2012
0.5 Gump Madrik 2/1 Belle Madrik 3/1 Lucia Santa
Ironman des Places bg Francois Nicolle Unraced
Great Pretender (Sabrehill){8-f}(0.71) 1/0 Queen des Places 2nd Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1), Auteuil 2008
0.5 Emir des Places 2/1 Allblak des Places 5/2 Don't Be Shy
Lorason bg Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Gentlewave (Kahyasi){8-a}(0.80) 0.5 Anneloralas 2nd Prix Fifrelet (L,62.0), Auteuil 2020
0.5 Trust The Captain 2/0 Dedale 2/1 Detalasse
Iniesta du Gouet bg Francois Nicolle Unraced
Coastal Path (Saint des Saints){8-f}(0.82) 2/0 My Asadore 1st Prix Auricula, Auteuil 2004
2/1 Elixir du Gouet 2/1 My Alco 3/1 Asador
Odiago bg Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Night Wish (Tremoplino){1-u}(0.78) 2/0 Lolita du Berlais 3rd Prix Girofla, Auteuil 2009
3/1 Bonita du Berlais 3/1 Nikita du Berlais 3/1 Bonito du Berlais

Later on the card is the Prix Auricula for the fillies. Though not as exalted as the Prix Rush, it too has produced a fair number of talented sorts in Pafadas, Salsa Melody, Listenmania and Aterisk along with Stormy Ireland, Tarla and Gitane du Berlais who would each enjoy success with Willie Mullins. Tomorrow's edition contains a good amount of well bred fillies, with particular attention drawn to Ispanoza, a Macaire trained sister to Prince Ali, and De Bonne Grace who is a sister to the magnificent De Bon Coeur.

The Grey Lady grf Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Saint des Saints (Martaline){16-a}(0.50) 1/0 Turn In Grey 1st Prix Christian de Trédern (G3,FM), Auteuil 2015
2/1 Coogie Bay 5/3 Le Pianiste
Miss Falcon grf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Montmartre (Presenting){1-t}(0.38) 2/1 El Presente 1st 3m1f Handicap Chase (L,142), Wincanton 2020
1/0 La Pinede 3/1 Golden Silver 3/1 Diamond Boy
Lady Martaline bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Martaline (Turgeon){26}(0.67) 1/0 Ladytown 1st Prix Prince d'Ecouen (L,65.0), Auteuil 2012
0.5 Ladyville 2/0 Ladies View 3/2 Shannon Rock
Hinspo Express bf Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Rock Of Gibraltar (Nayef){5-g}(2.20) 3/1 Desert Mist 1st Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle (G2), Wetherby 1992
2/1 Cal Mac
De Bonne Grace blf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Vision d'Etat (Saint Des Saints){31}(0.33) 1/1 De Bon Coeur 1st Grand Course de Haies (G1), Auteuil 2018
0.5 Gai Luron 1/0 Santa Bamba3/1 French Crusader
Ispanoza blf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kapgarde (Coroner){8-a}(0.67) 1/1 Prince Ali 1st Prix Alain du Breil (G1), Auteuil 2017
1/0 Novolae 2/0 Caldea 2/1 Rixe Veto
Aurore Verte bf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kapgarde (Turgeon){23}(1.40) 0.5 Punch Nantais 1st Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1), Auteuil 2016
0.5 Reine Troodos 0.5 Diable Nantais 0.5 Passionnantaise
Bellissima Girl bf Dominique Bressou Unraced
Kapgarde (Pistolet Bleu){8-c}(1.15) 0.5 Dynaste 2nd King George VI Chase (G1), Kempton 2014
1/0 Bellissima De Mai 0.5 Duphine Ererine 2/1 Miroir du Lac
Marta Laujac blf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Martaline (Vettori){16-d}(0.67) 0.5 Polidayana Laujac 4th Prix Sytaj (G3), Auteuil 2020
1/0 Dayde 2/1 Olofi 3/2 Don Lino
Out Of Risk bf David Cottin Unraced
No Risk At All (King's Best){2-w}(0.60) 2/1 Amarantine 4th Prix Renaud du Vivier (G1), Auteuil 2014
0.5 Nobody Knows 2/1 Trazar 2/2 Echoes In Rain
Uzuri Mbaya bf Artus Adeline De Boisbrunet Unraced
Kitkou (Rochesson){10-c}(0.33) 2/1 Hacadou du Perche 1st Prix Lutteur III (78.0), Auteuil 2000
0.5 Beaute Fatal 0.5 Fatal Beauty 2/1 Sonydale du Perche

Prix Rush 2021 - Auteuil
Haies - 3 ans - Mâles - 52.000 € - 3.000 mètres - Terrain collant - Temps total 3'54"63
Pour poulains entiers et hongres de 3 ans, n'ayant jamais couru. Poids : 68 kg. Les poulains n'ayant pas couru cinq fois, en courses au Galop, recevront 2 kg.
🗓 samedi 20 mars

LORASON (gb), hongre, bai, né en 2018, par Gentlewave (ire) et Loralas, par Kahyasi (ire)
Entraîneur : Gabriel Leenders
Lieu d'entraînement : Maine et Loire
Propriétaires : Christopher John Edwards (34 %), David Futter (33 %), Gabriel Leenders (33 %)
Eleveur : Yorton Farm

Réaction de Gabriel Leenders (co-propriétaire, entraîneur) après la victoire de Lorason dans le Prix Rush 2021 :

Prix Auricula 2021 - Auteuil
Haies - 3 ans - Femelles - 52.000 € - 3.000 mètres - Terrain collant - Temps total 3'52"91
Pour pouliches de 3 ans, n'ayant jamais couru. Poids : 68 kg. Les pouliches n'ayant pas couru cinq fois, en courses au Galop, recevront 2 kg.
🗓 samedi 20 mars

THE GREY LADY, femelle, gris, née en 2018, par Saint des Saints et Turn In Grey, par Martaline (gb)
Entraîneur : Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé
Lieu d'entraînement : Charente Maritime
Propriétaires : Jean-Michel Bazire & Louis Baudron
Eleveur : Louis Baudron

Réactions de Louis Baudron (éleveur, co-propriétaire) et Pierre Dubourg (jockey) après la victoire de The Grey Lady dans le Prix Auricula 2021 :

Many thanks for those uploads Linamix! Unfortunately, my French listening skills are essentially non-existent... what was the general impression given in the interviews?

20/03/2021 Prix Rush Auteuil 3,000m Collant (4,3)
Race review
This season's Prix Rush had the ingredients to be a useful renewal. However, the withdrawals of the Chaillé-Chaillé pair, and the race ending blunder of Brainstorm at the seventh made the race less competitive. Furthermore, despite having a near identical early pace as the Auricula, the fillies completed the course 1.72 seconds quicker than the boys. The field was in a bit of a heap after the last and the ride given to the runner-up was not optimal for his staying ability. While there is potential for the race to become better than it first appears, the initial impression is that this form is neither especially strong nor reliable for the level.

Lorason represented a Gabriel Leenders stable which does well in debutant contests and gave the yard the perfect start in the division for 2021. By Gentlewave and related to numerous capable three-year-old jumpers, including half-sister Anneloralas who was second in last year's Fifrelet, Lorason was steadily backed into 2.9 favouritism at the off. Tracking Brainstorm from the start, a blunder by the Macaire charge at the seventh left Lorason in the lead. Maintaining a sensible gallop rather than turning the screws, he overcame a stuttering jump at the penultimate flight and a blunder at the last and ran strongly to the line with a two length superiority. Save for a slight error at the fourth, Lorason's jumping had been decent prior to the straight and his pace enabled him to put a seal on the contest. He was the beneficiary of a couple of withdrawals, Brainstorm's error and Imitateur's unfavourable tactics. These factors along with the moderate winning time serve to restrain enthusiasm at this juncture. Nevertheless, Lorason did show a very likeable attitude in the closing stages so his future prospects ought not be harshly underestimated. 55.0

Imitateur's full-brother Bosseur, and his dam Suite, each enjoyed success in pattern company. However, neither would hit their stride until four and five years old respectively and trainer Erwan Grall is yet to have a winning three-year-old in any valuable race. Accordingly, Imitateur's profile befits a more long term prospect which is how he shaped on his debut. Jumping soundly in the rear, Imitateur still had the remainder of the field ahead of him turning for home. He managed to pass most of his rivals by the time he reached the last, but a slight stumble at the last cost him valuable momentum and the winner had already gone by the time he regained his stride. Though purely speculative, it is entirely possible that a more proactive ride will have seen Imitateur finish much closer and this marks a promising debut performance. 54.0

Ironman des Places is a son of Queen des Places who won a listed hurdle at three, and is herself out of a winner in the division. His uncle, Allblak des Places was another useful juvenile and sire Great Pretender has produced four winners in debutant contests since 2010. Though one of four runners in the contest for Francois Nicolle, he started the race at a relatively unfancied 18.0. Held up in the rear, he steadied slightly going into the third but otherwise jumped soundly as he made steady progress along the back. He was rather steady going into the penultimate flight when a couple of lengths behind the leader and it was an identical deficit at the last where he was slightly hampered on landing by his stablemate. These hinderances did not help his cause, but he was ultimately beaten on merit by the first two. 53.0

Walfer can count Full Blast (2/1), Easter Day (3/3) and The New One (5/5) among his relatives, but his pedigree is not especially fashionable for this level and David Windriff has saddled more fallers than winners in debutant contests. These factors made Walfer's starting as outsider unsurprising and his proximity potentially anchors the form. He jumped well enough in midfield and taken widest of all turning for home, was in a position to challenge without having the ability to do so. It was a credible effort to perform as he did and should be able to find success in more moderate company. 52.5

Na Has was the strongest fancy of the Nicolle quartet and the son of Saint des Saints and Chegei Has had the credentials to make an impact. However, his prospects were compromised by a round of jumping which, while devoid of any alarming mistakes, accumulated enough minor errors to be detrimental to his performance. Another settled in the rear, Na Has made some headway going up the straight but faded on the run from the last. A better performance was expected and though it would be too soon to write him off, this performance can only be regarded as disappointing. 52.0

Iniesta du Gouet was the longest price of the Francois Nicolle team. His granddam won the corresponding Prix Auricula in 2004, but Inesta du Gouet never looked like following in her hoofsteps. His jumping can be characterised in two parts - in the early stages, he jumped too big, and in the latter he was steady on the approaches. Tracking the leaders for much of the contest, Iniesta du Gouet briefly led on the turn for home. However, his steady jumping contributed to his fading to finish just over eight lengths behind in sixth. 51.5

Rhone raced five times on the flat last season with his best effort coming when a neck second in a Saint Cloud handicap off 34.0 over a mile in October. After fetching €30,000 at the Arqana Autumn sale, he joined a Bertran de Balanda yard with a fairly modest record in the sphere and Rhone's pedigree is devoid of jumpers. Racing prominently, a mistake three out cost him his position and overly careful jumps at the last two compounded his fate. Some credit is allowed for his racing with a penalty, but he would make little appeal outside of moderate company at this juncture. 53.0

Iceo Madrik's sire, Choeur du Nord, won this race in 2015 and made a respectable start to his career as a stallion last term by producing three winners in ordinary company. Iceo Madrik was his first representative in decent company who was rather predictably exposed at this level. His hurdling was marked by jumping too big and he was never able to progress beyond midfield. 50.5

Sans Bruit finished down the field at Angers last November, but his largely unremarkable and unexposed pedigree suggested he can compete over hurdles. He was clever enough to avoid real damage after getting baulked at the first two flights, but his jumping rather deteriorated towards the end of the contest. He ultimately finished well beaten, passing only the eased Brainstorm on the run in. 41.0

Brainstorm was the sole representative for Guillaume Macaire in a race the yard has won seven times this century. Maciare's winners include Robin des Champs, Balko, Esmondo and Choeur du Nord, while Master Dino, Goliath du Berlais and Twist Magic are just a few of the talents also introduced here. A son of No Risk At All, who had big wins either side of La Manche this week in Allaho and Ajas, Brainstorm's pedigree is also laudable - containing the likes of half-sister Never Adapt and uncle Top Notch. Sent off the third favourite, Brainstorm was fairly keen in the early stages, but settled into a nice rhythm in the front and jumped and travelled kindly. That is until he got to the seventh. The camera angle was not the best, but he appeared to hit it at an incorrect stride, reach for the hurdle and blunder terribly. This error cost him the lead and most likely any chance in the contest. Reaching again at the next, he faded through the field on the turn for home, jumped big at two out and steady at the last. Sensibly allowed to coast home in his own time from some way out, Brainstorm would be the horse to take out of this contest despite being the last to cross the line and it is hoped that this experience does not affect his confidence. 39.0++

Chess Master beat just one home at Angers last November Simone Brogi and while he is out of a winning handicap hurdler, his switch to Francois Nicolle was not expected to bring great results. Racing keenly early on in the rear of midfield, he pecked on landing at the fourth before making a tremendous error at the sixth. He was slow at the last in the back and pulled up soon after.

20/03/2021 Prix Auricula Auteuil 3,000m Collant (4,3)
Race review
The Prix Auricula tends not to have as strong an impact on the future as the Prix Rush. Nevertheless, a good contingent of pedigrees and connections were represented here and in the event, the girls were able to show up the boys. The field jumped and settled well for the most part and the winning time was faster to the tune of 1.72 seconds despite a similar early pace. Furthermore, those who finished prominently were supported in the market to do so, especially the well-backed winner. The fall of Ispanoza and subsequent hampering of De Bonne notwithstanding, the form looks both solid and respectable at this stage.

The Grey Lady gave Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé his third winner in as many three-year-old hurdles this term and was well supported to do so. This daughter of Saint des Saints is out of a mare who did not jump a hurdle until she was five, but quickly developed into a useful sort winning the Grade Three Prix Christian de Trédern on her final start. Settled in the rear, The Grey Lady jumped tidily under Pierre Dubourg and made steady headway into midfield along the back. She was six lengths behind the lead jumping two out and halved that deficit approaching the last. There she made her only error in the contest, slightly pecking on landing when possibly distracted by Ispanoza's calamity. Nevertheless, she stayed on strongly under a strong drive to lead a dozen strides from the line, finishing a length to the good over the runner-up. Though she was racing in headgear and running green at times, The Grey Lady showed plenty of potential and has set a solid foundation on which she is highly likely to improve with experience. 57.5

Out Of Risk is by the same No Risk At All who produced Aterisk to win this in 2019 ahead of taking the Prix d'Iena. Her dam is a full-sister to Prix Renaud du Vivier fourth Amarantine and the dam of useful Irish novice Echoes In Rain. Sharing second favouritism, Out Of Risk was baulked slightly at the first which resulted in her being lit up and taking a closer position than originally desired. Apart from being slow at the sixth, she jumped reasonably well and jumped the last two travelling nicely with a share of the lead. Though fending off Lady Martaline on the run-in, Out Of Risk appeared to idle slightly under pressure and had no answers for the strong finish of the winner. Notwithstanding, this was a very credible introduction and she can build on this form as she matures. 57.0

Lady Martaline's half-sister, Ladyville, won last season's Prix Sagan, but dam Ladytown did not win until her ninth start at the age of five and the pedigree is more noted for its chasers in Dream Wish (2/2), Lord du Mesnil (2/2), Shannon Rock (3/2) Goonyella (3/2) and Allaho (3/3). Nevertheless, she was not unfancied for Francois Nicolle and her nice jumping gave her a clear lead which she would hold until her first error of the race at the last where she did not get particularly high. Lady Martaline was brave in her pursuit of Out Of Risk but was unable to find the necessary pace. While her she is likely to be seen to better effect over further in due course, she still finished clear of the remainder and has shown enough to be competitive during her first term. 56.5

Aurore Verte was the shorter priced of the Lageneste/Macaire duo although being a Kapgarde half-sister to Punch Nantais, winner of the Prix Ferdinand Dufaure in 2016, she is bred to make a better chaser. Settled towards the rear, Aurore Verte slowly hopped over the second hurdle, took off too early at the fifth and got in close to the next. She still had plenty to do turning for home and though she stayed on, was unable to land a blow on the race. While this was a largely satisfactory introduction, her future probably lies over fences. 51.0

De Bonne Grace is out of 2008's Duc d'Anjou and Jean Stern winner Santa Bamba and being by Vision d'Etat, this makes her a full-sister to the outstanding De Bon Coeur. The aforementioned champion did not make her debut until the Prix Roman Oak in September and De Bonne Grace ran very much with the long term in mind. Ridden without urgency in the rear, she made a couple of minor errors at the fourth and eighth but nothing to warrant concern. De Bonne Grace jumped the penultimate flight with eight rivals still ahead of her and had yet to be asked a serious question when trailing her hind legs through the last before tripping over the stricken Ispanoza. Though she stayed on to the line after reorganising herself, she was never looking like getting competitive in any case. It would be inaccurate to describe this introduction as disappointing as it appears to have served its purpose. While De Bonne Grace has a very long way before she emulates her sister, she should leave this outing behind. 53.0

Marta Laujac started at the same price as stablemate Lady Martaline and ahead of De Bonne Grace in the betting. By Martaline and related (3/2) to Cambaceres hero Don Lino, Marta Laujac has a respectable pedigree for the sphere. She was fairly keen in the early stages during which she skewed over her jumps. Her hurdling improved prior to getting close to the eighth, but never looked like getting competitive and was rather laboured on the run in. 50.0

Miss Falcon was the longest price of Francois Nicolle's four runners. Though her granddam produced useful staying chaser El Presente and is herself a sibling of Golden Silver, Miss Falcon's pedigree is not patently encouraging for a three-year-old campaign. Racing in midfield, she steadied at the fifth and skewed over two out, but her race was otherwise uneventful as she was beaten just over twenty-one lengths. 48.0

Hinspo Express is the stablemate of the Prix Rush winner, but while Rock Of Gibraltar can be a capable sire at lower levels, the overall profile was not compelling. Hopping over the first and getting close to the third, Hinspo Express was stuck in the rear throughout most of the contest and her effort in the straight was short-lived. 45.0

Uzuri Mbaya was clever to survive some early interference but this niece of good handicap chaser Hacadou du Perche did little else of note and drifted from a midfield position to ultimately finish adrift. 38.0

Ispanoza represented the Laganeste/Macaire team and is a full-sister to 2017 Prix Alain du Breil winner Prince Ali, but was still sent off at 15 in the market. She was slightly big at the first two, but otherwise jumped decently in pursuit of the leader. Ispanoza was still in third place jumping the last where she reached the fence on the wrong stride, got in very close, stumbled and unseated the rider who subsequently brought her to the floor. This looked like a dreadful incident though thankfully, it was reported that she was on her feet afterwards. She was beginning to fade at the time of her catastrophe, but if the incident does not have a lasting effect, Ispanoza can still have a future in the game. 52.5

Bellissima Girl was one of three carrying the Papot colours although as a Kapgarde half-sister to Dynaste, she is likely a longer-term prospect. Slightly untidy at the first two and steady at the sixth, she became detached leaving the back whereafter she was pulled up.

Bachelors Hall écrit: Many thanks for those uploads Linamix! Unfortunately, my French listening skills are essentially non-existent... what was the general impression given in the interviews?

Gabriel Leenders was scared at the jump of the last hurdle. He said making such a mistake in this heavy ground and starting again shows that Lorason is a good horse.
He was confident before the race but with this kind of horse there is so much pressure that you can't go wrong because the first races determine the rest of the season. He's so relieved, he's about to cry.

About The Grey Lady, Louis Baudron said that the trainer told him good things about her and she confirmed.
Pierre Dubourg said she accelerated very easily as soon as he asked. He feels she has the engine of a good filly.