Les trois ans sur les haies en 2021

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.

I greatly appreciate your translations Linamix. It is a wonderful insight into the passion that is attached to the sport!

I have compiled a list of forty registered three-year-old horses who have yet to run. The research that went into this list was fairly patchy and is based largely on the most compelling pedigrees I happened to find at the time. Included are the final offspring of the wonderful Poliglote and the only foal produced by the short lived Ma Filleule. This is in no way a comprehensive list nor is it an endorsement of horses I feel will be of a high standard. Indeed, it can not be said for certain that many of these will even race over obstacles in 2021. Ultimately, this is mostly for fun and at worst, at least their pedigrees will have been pre-researched for whenever they do appear. That being said, if the list happens to contain the winners of the Cambaceres, Alain du Breil and Triumph Hurdle (or at least the runner-up behind Impressive) then I am open to offers for work in the bloodstock industry...

Addblock bc Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Martaline (Limnos){12-b}(0.48) 0.5 Kapeloi 1st Prix Lutteur III (L,62.0) Auteuil 2019
1/0 Si St Eloi 2/1 Oculi 2/2 Argentique 3/2 Balko
Bleue Vert bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Network (Turgeon){7-f}(0.38) 2/1 Castel Roque 2nd Prix Weather Permitting, Auteuil 2015
2/1 Silver Roque 3/1 Sanctuaire 4/1 Bianchini
Coup de Coeur[/u] bg Francois Nicolle Unraced
No Risk At All (Great Pretender){8-i}(0.20) 0.5 Chichi de la Vega 1st Prix Fifrelet (L,60.0), Auteuil 2020
1/0 Cesarine Palace 2/1 Caesar's Palace 2/1 Cokoriko 3/1 Choeur du Nord 3/2 Benie des Dieux
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
Dalikam bf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kamsin (Trempolino){16-d}(1.18) 1/0 Dalina 2nd Prix Amadou (G2), Auteuil 2007
0.5 Mon Lino 2/1 Multipass 2/2 Don Poli 2/2 Dulce Leo
Daphne du Berlais bf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Saint des Saints (King's Theatre){19-a}(0.60) 1/1 Goliath du Berlais 1st Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1), Auteuil 2019
1/1 Brother du Berlais 0.5 James du Berlais 1/0 King's Daughter
Demoiselle Kap bf David Cottin Unraced
Kapgarde (Astarabad){5-d}(1.00) 2/2 Milord Thomas 1st Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (G1), Auteuil 2015
1/0 Dabarasta 2/1 Royale Francois 2/1 Pennylane
Desire For Ever chf Francois-Marie Cottin Unraced
Martaline (Limnos){9}(0.43) 2/1 Storm Of Saintly 1st Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (G1), Auteuil 2014
0.5 Frustrated Desires 2/1 Storm Del Santo 5/3 Big Taste
Etatmajor bg Francois Nicolle Unraced
Vision d'Etat (Saint des Saints){1-b}(0.33) 2/1 Tamarinbleu 1st Clarence House Chase (G1), Ascot 2008
.5 Saintamarin 2/0 Tamainia 3/1 Cinco De Copas
Exception bf Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Tirwanako (Pistolet Bleu){20-a}(1.67) 2/1 More Of That 1st Stayers' Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2014
0.5 One Style 2/1 Eastlake 2/1 Santenay
File au Poteau bc Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Doctor Dino (Kahyasi){1-h}(1.40) 0.5 A Plus Tard 2nd Cheltenham Gold Cup (G1), Cheltenham 2021
0.5 Kap Auteuil 2/1. l'Aubonniere 4/2 Turkish Junior
Foxy Girl bf David Cottin Unraced
Saint des Saints (Sageburg){9-f}(0.50) 2/1 Far West 2nd Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2013
1/0 Far Burg 2/1 Firmini 2/2 Fou et Sage 2/3 Feu Follet 3/1 Present Bleu
Hip Hop Senam bc Francois Nicolle Unraced
Saint des Saints (Hernando){1-x}(0.65) 1/1 Buddy Banks 1st Prix Duc d'Anjou (G3), Auteuil 2016
0.5 Lady Poliglote 1/0 Madison Road 1/1 Road Senam 1/2 Tonguetted
Ideal d'Allier bg Francois Nicolle Unraced
Cokoriko (Bonnet Rouge){16-a}(0.33) 0.5 Un Temps Pour Tout 1st Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil, Auteuil 2015
3/1 Voy Por Ustedes 3/1 En La Cruz 4/1 Roi d'Ecajeul
Indy du Gouet chg Francois Nicolle Unraced
Jeu St Eloi (Kadounor){8-f}(1.67) 1/0 My Asadore 1st Prix Auricula, Auteuil 2004
0.5 Elixir du Gouet 2/1 Asador 4/2 Boarding School
Image du Large chf David Cottin Unraced
Kapgarde (Double Bed){4-l}(1.40) 2/1 Mail de Bievre 1st Prix Murat (G2), Auteuil 2010
1/1 Darling du Large 2/0 Coyote Davis 2/1 Sorceror
It's Easy bf David Cottin Unraced
Kapgarde (Vindication){8-f}(1.40) 0.5 Indietir 2nd Prix Cambaceres (G1), Auteuil 2015
0.5 Indieburg
Ivega bf Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Network (Robin des Champs){u}(0.19) 0.5 Flip de Vega 1st Prix Santo Piero (L,62.0), Auteuil 2019
2/1 Quevega 2/1 Monvega 2/2 Princess Vega
Izoard bf Emmanuel Clayeux Unraced
Poliglote (Sleeping Car){u}(1.00) 0.5 Vezelay 1st Prix Georges Courtois (G2), Auteuil 2014
0.5 Bob And Co 0.5 Grand Paradis 2/2 Vanilla Crush 3/1 Ucello II 3/3 Bipolaire
Job Done chg Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Joshua Tree (Monsun){4-i}(0.47) 0.5 Hipsters 1st Prix Go Ahead (L), Auteuil 2019
2/2 Bathyrhon 0.5 Please God 2/2 Besakih
Kalisainte bf David Cottin Unraced
Saint des Saints (Irish Wells){20-a}(0.50) 2/0 Kotkita 1st Prix Cambaceres (G1), Auteuil 2001
0.5 Kaliningrad 2/1 Kotkidy 2/1 Kotkikova
Katpartroi chf Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Martaline (Ballingarry){20-a}(0.52) 2/1 Katkovana 2nd Prix Alain du Breil (G1), Auteuil 2011
0.5 Katribu 2/1 Kotkita 2/2 Kotkikova
Kelklas bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Martaline (Poliglote){20-a}(0.52) 1/0 Kotkieglote 1st Prix Morgex (G3), Auteuil 2011
0.5 Kotkiyama 2/1 Katenko 2/2 Kobrouk
Kovas Has bg Francois Nicolle Unraced
Ballingarry (Astarabad){20-a}(0.89) 0.5 Kool Has 2nd Prix Cambaceres (G1), Auteuil 2019
2/1 Katkodile 2/1 Kakoline 3/0 Kotkita
Matterhorn bg Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Martaline (Turgeon){1-x}(0.67) 2/1 Turgot 1st Prix La Haye Jousselin (G1), Auteuil 2004
0.5 Saint Corneille 1/0 Sacarine 2/1 Pontvallain
Ninabela Has blf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Saint Des Saints (Martaline){4-r}(0.43) 2/1 Nirvana Du Berlais 1st Prix Cambaceres, Auteuil 2019
1/0 Nice To Meet You 2/1 Aubusson 3/1 Ma Filleule
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
Numerus Borget bg David Cottin Unraced
Nicaron (Sevres Rose){2-f}(1.00) 2/1 Le Grand Luce 2nd Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil (G1), Auteuil 2014
2/1 Ma Chere Amie 4/1 Danseur Royal 6/5 Terrefort
Penthievre chf Yannick Fouin Unraced
Martaline (Dream Well){1-u}(0.52) 2/1 Bonito du Berlais 1st Prix Cambaceres (G1), Auteuil 2014
1/0 Lolita du Berlais 2/1 Nikita du Berlais 2/1 Bonita du Berlais
Raffles Carlo chf Robert Collet Unraced
Martaline (Balko){8-f}(0.45) 1/0 Gitane du Berlais 1st Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (G1), Sandown 2015
0.5 Raffles Gitane 2/1 Tzigane du Berlais 3/1 Baraka du Berlais 4/1 Tenerific 1.RdV '91
Raffles Park grg Jerry Planque Unraced
Martaline (Turgeon){4-r}(0.67) 1/0 Ma Filleule 2nd Ascot Chase (G1), Ascot 2015
2/1 Mon Parrain 2/1 Korean 2/2 Aubisson 4/1 Mon Filleul
Raffles Portland bg Dominique Bressou Unraced
Balko (Antarctique){4-n}(0.67) 1/0 Utopie Des Bordes 1st Prix Maurice Gillois (G1), Auteuil 2012
2/1 Victoire des Borde 2/1 Quenta des Bordes 3/1 Bossa Nova
Rochefort de Mix grc Francois Nicolle Unraced
Gemix (Sinndar){11-f}(0.45) 2/1 Harchibald 2nd Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2005
0.5 Champoleon 0.5 Ange Blanc 2/1 What's The Scoop
Royal Box bf David Cottin Unraced
Doctor Dino (Saint des Saints){3-d}(3.00) 2/1 La Bague Au Roi 1st Kauto Star Novices' Chase (G1), Kempton 2018
2/1 Franche Alliance 2/1 Kaysersberg 3/0 Alle Sarthoise 4/1 Clan Royal
Saga du Berlais bf Yannick Fouin Unraced
Masked Marvel (Bonnet Rouge){9-e}(0.50) 2/1 Saint Palois 2nd Prix La Haye Jousselin (G1), Auteuil 2013
2/1 Anaking 3/2 Label des Obeaux 4/1 Tingry
The Machine bc Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kapgarde (Saint des Saints){12-g}(1.00) 2/1 Top Notch 1st 1965 Chase (G2), Ascot 2017
1/0 Holy Virgin 2/1 She Hates Me 2/2 Yes Indeed 2/2 Never Adapt 2/2 He Loves Me
To Be Fix bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Bathyrhon (Turgeon){20-a}(0.87) 0.5 Fixe Le Kap 1st Prix du Cher (L), Compiegne 2017
0.5 A Mi Manera 2/0 Lady Argument 2/1 Kacao Fix
Une Saga bf Yannick Fouin Unraced
No Risk At All (Sagamix){A1}(0.33) 2/1 Mansony 1st Champion Chase (G1), Punchestown 2007
1/0 Saga Win 2/0 Hairly 4/2 Cheler
What Destiny chf David Cottin Unraced
Doctor Dino (High Yield){16}(inf) 1/1 Quel Destin 1st Finale Juvenile Hurdle (G1), Chepstow 2018
1/0 High Destiny 2/1 Refutation 3/2 Walkon
Ziza Mes chf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kapgarde (Anabaa Blue){12-b}(1.40) 3/1 Kauto Star - the greatest staying chaser since Arkle
2/0 Kauto Karolyna 2/1 Kauto Sirtaki 3/1 Kauto Stone

Good afternoon/evening

Tomorrow morning will see Fontainebleau host its first three-year-hurdle of the season. While I have been giving fairly detailed statistical and breeding overviews for the first few races this season, it is not a habit I want to get into for each and every race. Doing so would be very time consuming - particularly when I will likely have more obligations later in the year. Nevertheless, I am happy to do a brief preview for the sake of posterity.

With three runners coming out of the Compiegne contests, this will be the first opportunity to see how the form of those contests are developing. Gibralfaro (6th) and Primco (7th) represent the first division while Saint Isabe (5th) represents the second. The last named carries a penalty for collecting prize money which is not helpful given that it looked the weaker of the two. A length and a quarter separated Gibralfaro and Primco. That the former has already been entered for a claiming contest gives an indication of the expectations. Nevertheless, Gibralfaro did appear to have scope for improvement and would probably be the strongest candidate of those with experience. Indy du Gouet, out of Prix Auricula winner My Asadore, is also the nephew of Asador and is a sibling of three winners in the age group. As such, his pedigree makes the most appeal from the newcomers. Laganeste/Macaire are represented by Saint Isabe and a Czech bred newcomer in Tkliwy Nihilista whose half-brother Temperament was third in an Italian listed steeple-chase. Erwan Grall fields Ivavite Gene, an Al Namix nephew of four-year-old listed winner Valkevi. Samozo (half-brother to Nivolet runner-up Lerina) and Planetarium (son of Peace Mine from family of Peace and Co) also have fair pedigrees although neither achieved much on the flat.

26/03/2021 Prix Gautier de la Selle, Fontainebleau 3,000m Très souple (4,0)
Don't want to get into the habit of reviewing every race, but as I had a bit of free time this morning, I have done a quick one for Fontainebleau's opener. Though the three with form had the benefit of experience, the standard of that form was not particularly strong and in the event, the race was fought out by three newcomers. The front two appear to be reasonably useful.

Indy du Gouet, being a son of My Asador, had the nicest pedigree of the debutants. He was not as well fancied as stablemate Gibralfaro, and he made several mistakes in the contest including trailing his hind legs through the fourth, getting tight at the fifth, missing the ninth and skewing over the tenth. Ridden patiently, he made steady progress into contention but still appeared to have plenty to do at the last as he was still six lengths behind the leader. Nevertheless, he galloped strongly on the run-in to lead within the dying strides. The bare form is unremarkable but this was a promising performance and if his jumping improves then he can be competitive at Auteuil on this evidence. 54.5

Tkliwy Nihilista was the longer priced of the Lageneste/Macaire duo, but was still the mount of James Reveley. A Czech bred half brother to a listed placed chaser in Italy, he tracked the leaders throughout and jumped well in the process. He moved into a clear lead approaching the last and appeared to have the race at his mercy before succumbing to the winner's late charge. There was plenty of encouragement here and he has a future in the sport in the right company. 54.0

Samozo is a sibling of three successful juveniles including Lerina who was second in a Prix Nivolet. His flat form had been poor however and this was reflected in his starting the race as the outsider. Nevertheless, he jumped well while held up in midfield with his only error coming when slightly untidy at the penultimate hurdle. Though unable to make an impact on the race, he was able to run on for third. 52.5

Saint Isabe did not set the world alight at Compiegne and it was much the same case here. He was sent off as favourite and racing from the front, appeared to be running a big race. However, he was unable to sustain his effort and while this was an improvement on his debut, he looks limited in his potential. 53.5

Primco was able to reverse placings with Gibralfaro from Compiegne, but the latter had excuses. He jumped soundly apart from a bad mistake at the fifth, and was in a challenging position up the straight. However, he could not make a telling blow and the fact he is already entered in claiming company reflects his general ability. 51.0

Gibralfaro had the best of a moderate set of form coming into the race, but his chances were compromised by some hesitant and untidy jumping early on. The worst came at the fourth when he slipped on taking off and stumbled very badly, landing on his knees. He could not be blamed for this as he took off on a false patch of ground. That his rider saw fit to correct him for this pure accident was very amateurish horsemanship. The incident effectively ended his race as he was never travelling from thereon. Gibralfaro is better than this if he can find some confidence. 48.0

Vale of Tof is not unfeasibly bred for jumping and was twice placed on the flat, albeit in modest company. He jumped well enough save for a couple of minor errors, but was never able to leave the rear. 48.0

Ivavite Gene was not unfancied for Erwan Grall and along with being a nephew of a listed winner, is also from the extended family of Crystal d'Ainay and Fleur d'Ainay. He was steady and big over the first two, but was able to settle into a rhythm and maintain a prominent position before being readily outpaced in the straight. He may need further in due course. 46.5

Planetarium achieved little on the flat in Spain although his dam did finish second as a three-year-old at Auteuil. He jumped well but was never able to leave the rear. 45.5

Rocky Tao is related to good flat horses Cape Blanco and Paris House, but his debut came over hurdles for which he was friendless in the market. He took up a prominent position and did not make any errors, but he ultimately finished nearly twenty-three lengths last. 43.3