Les trois ans sur les haies en 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

Going to try something different for the previews of tomorrow's races at Compiegne. Please bear in mind that this NOT advisory, rather an experimental means of assessing my very modest understanding of this discipline!

Prix Sicie
Tomorrow's opener at Compiegne may only be a claimer, but it could feasibly be an interesting affair. Brainstorm has the breeding (No Risk At All nephew of Top Notch) and connections (Laganeste/Macaire) to be much better than this level. His debut came in the Prix Rush and he was jumping and travelling nicely in the front before a race ending blunder at the seventh. That he is immediately on the market at €14,000 is of some concern as it indicates either that he has little actual ability, or he came out of the Prix Rush unsound. Nevertheless, in terms of raw potential, Brainstorm could be a class ahead. Primco, a son of a listed winner, already has two runs to his name finishing down the field at Compiegne and Fontainebleau. While his raw form is probably the strongest, it does not amount to a great deal and his carrying top weight will be a burden. Ilvientdela Baie jumped safely on his debut at this venue, but was unable to make an impact and this test is not sufficient to play to his strengths on breeding. Monjules ran five times on the flat prior to his hurdling debut where he made mistakes before trailing in last.

Martin du Bourg is the only unraced horse in the field, but his damline is not without interest as he is out of the the 2005 winner of the Prix General de Saint-Didier and is 3/1 with the useful Prince du Bourg. He will be the first jumps runner for Martinborough who was a good handicapper in Japan, but makes little immediate appeal as a jumps stallion. His starting in claiming company is not an encouraging sign. Kentaway has the best form of the newcomers from the flat, the trainer with the strongest jumps record (still moderate) as well as having the only discernible jumps pedigree (3/1 Adelas). He carries the highest weight of the trio but other factors make this viable without giving him strong reason to threaten the experienced horses. Kitten Star and Funny Bay are both yet to place on the flat after five and eight starts respectively. Neither have pedigrees which offer strong encouragement.

Possibilités
Puissant
Brainstorm
Raisonnable
Primco
Ilvientdela Baie
Faisable
Martin du Bourg
Kentaway
Modéré
Monjules
Délaissés
Kitten Star
Funny Bay

Prix du Carnois
Eight of the eleven runners for the fillies' claimer have racecourse experience, although the bulk failed to complete and those who did finished well beaten. Seven of these ran in the d'Essai des Pouliches at this venue last month while Bellissima Girl took her chance in the Auricula. Not well fancied for the contest, she lacked fluency before getting detached leaving the back. Being a half-sister to Dynaste, she may be a more long-term prospect although also being a niece of Miroir du Lac, she might benefit from the drop in grade and additional furlong.

Stablemates Star In Chope and Idylle du Seuil were the last to complete in the aforementioned contest at this course. The latter has a more appropriate pedigree for the discipline, but both made mistakes before finishing tailed off. La Cuenta made her debut on the flat, but the daughter of Choeur du Nord and a winning claimer, along with relative of Vie Royale and Vodka Bleu, is bred more to be a chaser. While she made mistakes on her debut, she was still in touch before being badly hampered by a faller at Compiegne and made the best impression of those who reoppose. Her carrying a low weight is also favourable in the circumstances. Place Morny, a niece of La Madeleine, showed up prominently but made mistakes before weakening rapidly. Gilda also made mistakes without making an impression, Dantza Basc made errors before pulling up tired and Iris du Seuil jumped poorly without leaving the rear.

With hurdling form being uninspired, the newcomers could be of interest. Lansdowne Road, representing the powerful Gabriel Leenders, achieved little on her sole flat run at Durtal last November. Nevertheless, she is a niece of the useful Scarpeta and though it has been a long time since Pomellato had a runner in the sphere, he was responsible for the capable pair in Flavin and Jazz Poem. Jap Chope and Havania each run for Jean-Luc Pelletan and have shown similar levels of moderate form on the flat. The former, a daughter of Panis and niece of Prix de Pouilly winner King Chop, makes more appeal of the pair on breeding.

Possibilités
Puissant
Rien
Raisonnable
Bellissima Girl
La Cuenta
Lansdowne Road
Faisable
Place Morny
Dantza Basc
Jap Chope
Modéré
Gilda
Havania
Star In Chope
Délaissés
Iris du Seuil
Idylle du Seuil

Busy day today so for tomorrow's debutant race at Bordeaux, I will just leave brief pedigree notes in a vague order of how I arbitrarily view their overall profiles.

Saint Paris bg Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Saint des Saints (Mansonnien){2-u}(0.71) 1/1 La Sulfureuse 2nd Prix Sytaj (G3), Auteuil 2015
Math de Lune bg Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Diamond Green (Mansonnien){3-c}(2.33) 0.5 Wells de Lune 1st 2m1½f Handicap Chase (129), Cartmel 2018
Narantuya bf Didier Guillemin Unraced
Prince Gibraltar (Ultimately Lucky){1-w}(2.20) 2/0 N'Avoue Jamais 1st Prix Alain du Breil (G1), Auteuil 2000
Kyrov bc Francois Nicolle Unraced (Rouget)
Dark Angel (Lomitas){17-b}(0.33) 2/1 Brave Jelios 1st 3m½f Handicap Hurdle (117), Aintree 2015
Saint Sire bg Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte Unraced
Saint des Saints (Ultimately Lucky){2-s}(1.00) 1/0 Sierra Nevada 1st Prix Jean Bart (L,63.0), Auteuil 2016
Tanamee bf Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte Unraced
Manatee (Saint des Saints){2-s}(0.33) 2/1 Sierra Nevada 1st Prix Jean Bart (L,63.0), Auteuil 2016
Idylle Secrete bf Jacques Ortet f1-0-0
Lucayan (Sorcerous){3-o}(1.40) 0.5 Big Fat Boy 1st 3yo Maiden Hurdle, Angers 2017
Javado bg Joel Boisnard f2-0-0
Vadamos (Oasis Dream){2-u}(0.60) 2/1 Demerara 1st 3300m 4yo Conditions Hurdle, Saint-Malo 2008

Thank you

01/04/2021 Prix Sicie, Compiègne 3,200m Collant (4,3)

Being a claimer, this was not a race which inherently took much winning and in the event, it was won by a horse who has twice been well beaten in open company. That he carried top weight further devalues the form although he was entitled to perform well on his performances and the principles were entitled to finish as they did. The winning time was slower than that of the fillies claimer but so too was the early pace. Nothing to get excited about but probably not the worst claimer that will be ran this year.

Primco is a son of the listed winner Pafadas. Though beaten 11 and 7.25 lengths at Compiegne and Fontainebleau, he was not out of consideration and attracted support in the betting. Tracking the leaders, he turned into the straight with the lead and though he lost it at the penultimate flight, he regained the initiative with 100m left to race before passing the line three lengths in front. His jumping was fine apart from being slightly untidy at the eighth and going through the top of the last. Primco did not have to improve a great deal to take this and will likely be vulnerable if returned to better company. 52.5

Martin du Bourg was the only unraced runner in the field but is a son of a Grade 3 winner and is also related to Prince du Bourg. Initially dispuring the lead before slotting behind the pacemaker, he found himself outpaced before staying on again towards the finish. His inexperience was telling as he was untidy at the sixth, wandered into two out and missed the last. Defended for €18,778, he is capable of building on this and can be competitive if his sights are not set too high. 46.0

Brainstorm had the profile to be competing at a much higher level and was in the process of running a nice race before blundering away his chances down the back in the Prix Rush. Backed into odds-on, he was ridden with more restraint here and got in close to the sixth and eighth while getting big over the eleventh. He looked to make a race winning move in the straight, but was passed after jumping the last from where he folded very quickly - possibly characteristic of a horse with breathing issues. Brainstorm was claimed afterwards for €16,555 by Clement Machado who has horses with Francois-Marie Cottin. Should the change of scenery prove beneficial and perhaps address physiological issues not prioritised by Laganeste/Macaire then Brainstorm could move closer to fulfilling his potential. 45.5

Monjules had little form from five runs on the flat and ran no kind of race on his hurdles debut over this course and distance. He was in the process of running a fair race when blundering badly at the last, but no better than he was entitled at the weights. 43.0

Kentaway had the best profile of the newcomers from the flat and accordingly, was the first of them to finish. It was not of the highest standard however and though he can build on this if improving his jumping, he makes little immediate interest. 44.5

Ilvientdela Baie jumped safely on his debut and did so again here. However, after turning for home in a prominent position, he was badly outpaced in the straight without showing any improvement. It will be a while before he reaches his best. 44.5

Funny Bay raced eight times on the flat without placing and his breeding offered little encouragement. He jumped poorly in the rear and was very well beaten in the end. 29.0

Kitten Star is another with uninspired flat form and without a compelling profile. He also jumped poorly and was beaten a long way. 20.0

01/04/2021 Prix du Carnois, Compiègne 3,200m Collant (4,3)

Those with hurdling experience made up the bulk of this field, but with the level of form being moderate, it was little surprise to see the race fall to a newcomer. The winning time was five seconds quicker than the colts and geldings race half and hour earlier, although there was a sizable discrepancy in the early pace of each contest. The winner was a five race maiden on the flat whose jumping was questionable and the runner-up ran keenly so the quality is not out of the ordinary. Nevertheless, the front three still pulled clear giving the form some credence.

Jap Chope failed to win in five flat outings, but had placed third on her latest start over 2450m at Mont-de-Marsan and was the subject of market support. Held up in the rear, her jumping left something to be desired as she was big over the first and tenth, and untidy at the sixth and ninth. She was still nearly a dozen lengths off the lead leaving the back, but made use of her conserved energy to make rapid headway on the turn and after jumping the last with a share of the lead, pulled clear on the run-in to win by six lengths. Claimed by Ecurie des Dragons for €25,556 she was an emphatic winner without looking like a natural. 49.0

Gilda, a cousin of fair juvenile Bernardo Bellotto, lacked fluency in midfield before pulling up on her debut at this venue. Nevertheless, despite drifting in the market and taking a keen hold, she jumped better on this occasion. Left in the lead at the sixth, she maintained her advantage to the last whereafter her early exertions took their toll. Given the circumstances, this was a creditable effort and she could go one better in this type of company. She was claimed afterwards for €24,699 by ARF racing. 48.5

Bellissima Girl was the sole runner whose debut came at Auteuil. A half-sister to Dynaste, she was held up off the pace and though she made progress throughout the closing stages, did not have the pace to challenge the front two. Her jumping was reasonable save for getting close to the first and ninth, and finished fifteen lengths clear of the fourth. She should do alright at this level while looking unlikely to emulate her sibling. 45.5

Lansdowne Road ran just the once on the flat, but this niece of Scarpeta is bred to make a better hurdler. Her early jumping was characterised by inexperience, and while she held a decent enough position throughout, was unable to make much of a challenge. 40.0

Star In Chope jumped better than when well beaten on her debut, but still made a bad blunder at the seventh and did little to justify carrying top weight. 39.5

La Cuenta was badly hampered on her debut over this course and distance last time, but had no such excuses here as her jumping deteriorated in the closing stages and she finished tired. 31.5

Havania, the less fancied stablemate of the winner, was still battling for third when making a tremendous blunder at the penultimate flight which effectively finished her race. She was beginning to toil in any case but might have finished marginally closer otherwise. 30.0

Idylle du Seuil was the last to complete on her course and distance debut, but was still travelling enthusiastically in the lead when taking a crashing fall at the sixth. With 1500m left to race, it was too soon to speculate on how she might have fared had she stood up.

Iris du Seuil raced more prominently than last time, but still jumped poorly before making it two arrêtée from two. Her starting price of 5.2 was not at all justified.

Dantza Basc started the race prominently enough, but was untidy at the fifth and eighth before calling it a day before the straight.

Place Morny was held up in midfield before falling through the field and getting close to the eighth and ninth prior to pulling up.

02/04/2021 Prix de Bacalan, Bordeaux-Le Bouscat 3,300m Souple (3,5)

At 3,300 metres, the Prix de Bacalan was the longest distance raced thus far this season. Notwithstanding, the Souple ground decreased the emphasis on stamina as the race was determined by a telling turn of foot. All of the field made mistakes to some degree and the pedigrees on offer were not brimming with star power. The runner-up achieved only modest form on the flat, but was not unfancied in the market. At this stage, the form is not exciting but there is time for it to develop.

Kyrov, still an entire, left the Rouget yard without seeing the racecourse. Described as a baby by connections, he certainly matched that description as he gave his hurdles plenty of air while lacking assuredness. He was not under undue pressure although another big and slow jump at the last cost him further momentum. Nevertheless, he made best of the flat to get his head in front in the dying strides. Kyrov, a Dark Angel half-brother to GM Hopkins from the family of Mark of Esteem, is bred to be a flat horse and has plenty to learn if he is to succeed as a hurdler in the long term. Notwithstanding, he showed an impressive accelleration and this can only be regarded as a promising debut. 53.0

Javado was twice beaten at Pornichet in January, but was not without supporters for his hurdling debut and he made a bold bid from the front. Though steadying slightly at the fifth and skewing at the eighth, he largely jumped well enough to maintain his momentum and had just the one threat approaching the last. He did not have the pace to match the winner, but was still able to increase his lead over the third. Though not an obvious one for the bigger races, he should be able to gain compensation in a similar contest. 52.5

Math de Lune, a half-brother to Wells de Lune, did not have the best start to the race as he was baulked on landing at the first. Settled in midfield, he hurdled reasonably well save for big jumps at the third and eighth. He ran on to the line without threatening the leaders. 51.0

Saint Paris is a full-brother to La Sulfureuse and with Dom Paris, Dalkash and Parika featuring nearby on his pedigree, was the best bred horse in the field. This, and the fact he ended his trainer's perfect record in these races this season, marks this performance as a disappointment. Held up in the rear, he was steady at the second and very untidy when baulked at the fourth, but otherwise jumped soundly. However, he never travelled with any real intent and still holding last position turning for home, was able to pass only beaten rivals. He may benefit from stripping fitter and possibly from more testing ground. 49.5

Tanamee is the stablemate and cousin of Saint Sire and started just the shorter price of the pair. Racing just behind the leader, she was baulked on landing at the second, untidy at the fourth and close at the eighth before blundering at the last when looking set for fourth. 47.0

Saint Sire, cousin and stable of the aforementioned Tanamee, rather lacked the pace of his travel partner and was also the less fluent of the pair. 47.0

Idylle Secrete is a half-sister to a low-grade winner in the division, was sent off the outsider. She raced green while hopping her way around the track before finishing in last. 44.0

PRIX DE LA TILLAIE
Kelklas bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Martaline (Poliglote){20-a}(0.52) 1/0 Kotkieglote 1st Prix Morgex (G3), Auteuil 2011
Pleasure chf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kamsin (Turgeon){20-d}(0.82) 2/1 Traffic Fluide 3rd Clarence House Chase (G1), Ascot 2016
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
Aziyade bf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Bathyrhon (Martaline){6-a}(0.57) 1/0 Styline 1st Grand Steeple-Chase d'Europa (G1), Merano 2017
Tactique d'Etat Francois Nicolle Unraced
Vision d'Etat (Muhtathir){8-g}(0.60) 0.5 Opium 1st Prix de Pouilly, Auteuil 2017
Cutting Straight bf Pascal Journiac Unraced
Great Pretender (Kapgarde){13-c}(0.57) 1/0 Cutting Edge 1st Prix d'Iena (L), Auteuil 2010
La Boetie bf David Cottin Unraced
Saint des Saints (Monsun){22-b}(0.60) 1/1 La Beauvoisiniere 2nd 3800m 3yo Conditions Chase, Le Pertre 2019
Antidote bf Sylvain Dehez f5-0-2 (32.5) 34.5
Anodin (Panis){5-h}(1.77) 2/1 Silver Point 2nd 2m1f Maiden Hurdle, Newton Abbot 2009
Thanaelle bf Butel & Beaunez f1-0-0
Goken (Saddex){6-e}(1.00) 2/2 Broughton 2nd Summit Juvenile Hurdle (G2), Doncaster 2013

For reasons which are unclear to myself, I have done detailed previews for tomorrow's three-year-old races at Auteuil. This is not a habit which I would like to maintain, but as they have been written, so they shall be posted.

Two of the more interesting debutant contests of the season are set to take place tomorrow at Auteuil in the Geographie and the Grandak. The former, a race for fillies, is not quite as prolific as the Wild Monarch, but it did launch the career of a Cambaceres winner in 2015 when Chimere Du Berlais finished sixth to Prix Sagan heroine Carlita Du Berlais. Ambroise, winner in 2013, followed up in that year's Bournosienne and would maintain her success as a four-year-old winning the de Pepinvast and the Amadou. Baie Des Iles, sixth in 2014, would perhaps achieve the greatest success as an older horse taking the Prix des Drags at seven years old. She would also be the most successful recent export, although Adriana des Mottes and Missy Tata would attain useful form with Irish handlers. Tomorrow's contest contains representatives of Guillaume Macaire and Francois Nicolle, with pedigrees featuring the likes of Nirvana du Berlais, Indietir, Libaute and Don Poli all catching the eye.

Beautiful Horse rof Jean-Yves Artu f2-0-0
Tin Horse (Sinndar){4-m}(1.22) 0.5 Hollywood Park 1st 3yo Claiming Hurdle, Auteuil 2016
Twice well beaten on the flat, the latest being at Durtal last November, Beutiful Horse has some pretentions to making a better hurdler. A half-sister to a couple of minor winners, her sire Tin Horse also has a respectable strike rate in lesser contests. However, the yard does not fare well in races of this nature and others have considerably more substantial profiles.

Stanstead grf Erwan Grall Unraced
Al Namix (Califet){4-d}(0.43) 2/0 Dusky Royale 2nd Prix Finot (L), Auteuil 2005
Erwan Grall has yet to win a valuable three-year-old hurdle, but he has had a couple of seconds already this term and was the source of the useful Paul Nicholls juvenile Good Ball. Incidentally, Stanstead's half-brother Finistere finished third to Good Ball at Newbury, and the pedigree gets more interesting further back as both his uncle Polisky and granddam Dusky Royale each finished runner-up in the Prix Finot. Third dam Marie des Epeires won the Gerald de Rochefort (L,4yo) and is the matriarch of a family which includes Salut Flo, Balko des Flos and Vision des Flos. Sire Al Namix is capable of getting useful sorts, examples being Street Name, Grandouet and Saphir Du Rheu, although his overall strike rate with 3yo jumpers is just 7.94%.

Flash Davier bf Carlos & Yann Lerner Unraced
Doctor Dino (Dansili){10}(0.71) 0.5 Queen Davier 1st 3yo Conditions Hurdle, Cagnes-sur-Mer 2020
A niece of talented flat stayer Mille et Mille, Flash Davier should not want for stamina. Her being a half-sister to a winning hurdler, and a daughter of the talented sire Doctor Dino further boost her credentials. The record of the Lerners in this level of competition, 3.88% strike rate in valuable 3yo hurdles contests, does temper enthusiasm somewhat and there are more compelling jumping pedigrees on display.

Dalikam bf Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kamsin (Trempolino){16-d}(1.18) 1/0 Dalina 2nd Prix Amadou (G2), Auteuil 2007
One such pedigree would be that of Dalikam whose dam, Dalina, finished second in the Prix Amadou ahead of producing useful handicapper Mon Lino. Dalikam is also a niece of Multipass, who won the Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy, and a cousin of Gold Cup third Don Poli and Grand Prix d'Automne third Dulce Leo. Kamsin has a solid winners to runners rate of 30.43% which includes Adjali and On The Go for trainer Guillaume Macaire. The Macaire stable has had three winners and seven placings in this contest since 2008 and Dalikam is the sole representative here.

Wiskalina grf Etienne & Gregoire Leenders Unraced
No Risk At All (Martaline){5}(0.54) 1/0 Wiccalina 3rd Prix d'Iena (L), Auteuil 2014
Wiccalina made a winning debut at Auteuil in 2014 before following up in the Girofla and finishing third in the d'Iena for Etienne Leenders. Connections will be hoping that her first daughter, Wiskalina, can carry the same colours with similar grace this term - particularly as success in this division has been a rare commodity. The dam has been given every chance being paired with No Risk At All who along with Allaho and Epatante, has also produced smart youngsters in Aterisk, Ajas and Gumball.

Impressionpositive chf Isabelle Pacault Unraced
Martinborough (Volochine){7-f}(1.67) 0.5 Winneyev 1st Prix duc d'Anjou (G3), Auteuil 2015
Having his first crop of jumpers in 2021, Martinborough's credentials as jumps sire are not immediately apparent. He was a good handicapper in Japan, but was not top drawer and at 1.63m is not the biggest of stallions. His own sire, Deep Impact, has not had a jumper in Europe although he did produce Red Kingdom who won the Grade One Nakayama Daishogai in 2014. Martinborough's first hurdler finished second in a claimer earlier this week and he is doubly represented in this field. Impressionpositive has the more appealing of the two damlines as she is a half-sister to duc d'Anjou winner Winneyev, and out of a winning 3yo hurdler. Isabelle Pacault does not have the strongest record in the sphere however as her latest winner in a decent contest came when Si Tu Viens took the 2009 Prix Go Ahead.

It's Easy bf David Cottin Unraced
Kapgarde (Vindication){8-f}(1.40) 0.5 Indietir 2nd Prix Cambaceres (G1), Auteuil 2015
Though from the distant family of Nijinsky and The Minstrel, It's Easy's damline had been an uneventful American one before Indietra produced Indietir to finish second in the 2015 Cambaceres. She also has a maiden winner at Uttoxeter although while Kapgarde does get useful youngsters, he is more given to fathering chasers. David Cottin saddled the second and third in this race last year and had his first 3yo winner of the season when La Boetie won at Fontainebleau today.

Ninabela Has blf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Saint Des Saints (Martaline){4-r}(0.43) 2/1 Nirvana Du Berlais 1st Prix Cambaceres, Auteuil 2019
Francois Nicolle has had a winner and a third from two runners in this contest and is set to saddle two runners here. Ninabela Has is the mount of Angelo Zuliani and would just about have the nicer pedigree of the pair. A daughter of Saint des Saints, her dam is a full-sister to Nirvana du Berlais, and half-sister to Aubusson. Mon Parrain, Ma Filleule and Mon Filleul are but a handful of other talented horses attached to the damline.

Bella Scintilla bf Daniela Mele Unraced
Martinborough (Irish Wells){1-n}(1.40) 1/0 Bells 1st 3600m 4yo Conditions Hurdle, La Teste de Buch 2013
Bella Scintilla is the second representative of Martinborough. Out of a provincial winner, her third dam Balioka was a listed class chaser. Daniela Mele's record in the sphere is respectable without being outstanding.

Sideralis bf Laurent Viel Unraced
Kapgarde (Martaline){14}(0.65) 1/0 Biche d'Oo 1st Prix Geographie, Auteuil 2014
Biche d'Oo won the 2014 renewal of the Prix Geographie and her first foal to reach the track, Sideralis, will be making her debut in the same contest. Passing through Arqana as a yearling, she went unsold at €16,000 and her debut comes in the care of a handler with a lamentable record in this type of contest.

Les Yeux Vert bf Francois Nicolle Unraced
Martaline (Poliglote){8-i}(0.52) 1/0 Fleurs des Yeux 5th Prix Bournosienne (G3), Auteuil 2015
Though she may be Francois Nicolle's second string, Les Yeux Vert still has a respectable pedigree. Out of a fairly useful juvenile, she is also a niece of Sainte Gaya and a cousin of Saint Xavier. Martaline's record in the sphere is highly credible with his average prize money figure being the best in this field. He has also produced two winners of this particular contest.

Ma Beaute grf Marcel Rolland Unraced
Montmartre (High Yield){7-e}(0.43) 1/0 Libaute 3rd Prix Renaud du Vivier (G1), Auteuil 2011
Ma Beaute is out of the talented Libaute, although sire Montmartre is in a similar mould to Al Namix in that while he is capable of siring good jumpers, his overall record is just below average. Marcel Rolland gets his winners in this sphere but his record is stronger outside of debutant contests.

Possibilités
Puissant
Ninabela Has
Dalikam
Raisonnable
Les Yeux Vert
Wiskalina
It's Easy
Faisable
Stanstead
Ma Beaute
Sideralis
Flash Davier
Modéré
Impressionpositive
Bella Scintilla
Délaissés
Beautiful Horse

The Prix Grandak has been the launchpad of many quality racehorse domestically and internationally, as youngsters and as established stars. Those fitting the latter bill include On The Go, Storm Of Saintly and Golden Flight, while Saint des Saints, Bonito du Berlais and Beaumec De Houelle enjoyed success in their initial campaigns. While Golden Flight did not cover himself in glory after being exported, the likes of Frodon, Far West, Quel Destin, Aerial and We Have A Dream proved worthy investments. This year's renewal could prove to be right up to scratch as Leenders, Cottin and Nicolle are each double handed, Macaire and Chaille-Chaille also have representation, and some illustrious pedigrees include close relatives of A Plus Tard, La Bague Au Roi, Moises Has, Top Notch and Worldbest.

Imprenable bg Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Choeur du Nord (Saint Cyrien){19-a}(0.78) 0.5 Tarabel 3rd Prix Carmarthen (G3), Auteuil 2012
Choeur du Nord was a talented early-season jumper prior to his early retirement, and he made a respectable start with a first crop headed by Baladin de Mesc. He is represented by Imprenable who is a half-brother to Prix Carmarthen placed Tarabel along with several who enjoyed success in chases. Gabriel Leenders saddled Kerfany to finish second in the 2019 edition of this race, although he has a stronger looking representative in File au Poteau.

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
Much of File au Poteau's appeal comes from his being a half brother to Gold Cup runner-up A Plus Tard. A Plus Tard did make a winning debut as a three-year-old , albeit at Saint-Brieuc in October, and while Doctor Dino's record as a sire in the division is commendable, his offspring typically take a race or two to get going including File au Poteau's aunt, l'Aubonniere. Nevertheless, Gabriel Leenders does have a good record in this type of contest, and his most recent pair of three-year-olds have been winners.

The Machine bc Guillaume Macaire Unraced
Kapgarde (Saint des Saints){12-g}(1.00) 2/1 Top Notch 1st 1965 Chase (G2), Ascot 2017
Mention of "The Machine" will provoke most British and Irish racing fans to think of Faugheen. This inevitably gives The Machine enormous horseshoes to fill. Notwithstanding, the sole runner of the Macaire team, which has won this race nine times since 2000, has solid credentials. Though Kapgardes tend to develop with experience, dam Holy Virgin finished second in the Geographie on the corresponding card in 2013 while uncle Top Notch won twice as a three-year-old during the spring before finishing runner-up in the Triumph. Cousins Never Adapt and Yes Indeed also finished first and second respectively in their Prix d'Essais. Laganeste/Macaire have had just one win from fourteen runners this term, although the win was by the deeply impressive Impressive, and the yard also had a runner-up on Saturday at Fontainebleau.

Porticello bg David Cottin Unraced
Sholokhov (Chichicastenango){31}(0.87) 2/1 Worldbest 3rd Grand Prix d'Automne (G1), Auteuil 2009
Mica Malpic won this race last year for David Cottin, and the Le Lion D’Angers trainer saddles two here. Porticello's most notable close relative is Grand Prix d'Automne third Worldbest, although there is also some precocity as his aunt Orcantara finished third in a Bournosienne, and his cousin Invicter placed second in the Cambaceres. Though Sholokhov is a Gold Cup winning sire, he is also responsible for Shishkin as well as classy youngsters Msassa, Esmondo and the aforementioned Invicter. However, Kevin Nabet has taken the ride on Magistrato.

Magistrato bg David Cottin Unraced
Kapgarde (Poliglote){3-d}(1.00) 1/0 Franche Alliance 2nd Prix Beugnot (L,63.0), Enghien 2015
Magistrato would appear to be David Cottin's first string on jockey bookings, although he would not look best suited to the 3000 metre trip. Though his dam was placed in a listed handicap, this did not come until she was seven years old and her half-sister La Bague Au Roi is another who improved with age. While third dam Alle Sarthoise placed in a Prix Finot, she herself was a half-sister to Clan Royal who twice filled the frame in the Grand National.

Mourinho Has bc Francois Nicolle Unraced
Saint des Saints (Dernier Empereur){4-i}(1.50) 0.5 Moises Has 1st Prix Renaud du Vivier (G1), Auteuil 2020
Francois Nicolle has trained a substantial amount of good three-year-old hurdlers over the years, yet the Grandak is a race which has passed without success despite ten attempts. He fields two this year, the first being a half-brother to Prix Renaud du Vivier winner Moises Has. Mourinho Has, unsold for €85,000 at Arqana last year, is also a full-brother to novice hurdler Mocacreme Has, and a nephew of Mocolacato Has and Momita Has - winners of the Fifrelet and the Wild Monarch respectively. However, he does not appear to be the first-string on jockey bookings.

Coup de Coeur 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
Angelo Zuliani takes the mount on Coup de Coeur, a No Risk At All half-brother to last season's Fifrelet winner Chichi de la Vega. He is also related to two jumps stallions in Cokoriko (2/1) and Choeur du Nord (3/1) along with Benie des Dieux at 3/2. The duality of Nicolle's profile has just been touched upon and as mentioned earlier, No Risk At All is a fine stallion who along with Allaho and Epatante, has also produced smart youngsters in Aterisk, Ajas and Gumball.

Nambiti bg Isabelle Pacault Unraced
Walk In The Park (Smadoun){14-e}(0.64) 2/1 Marcilhac 2nd Prix James Hennessy (L), Auteuil 2013
Nambiti's dam is a full-sister to Marcilhac and Marminhac - each of whom have finished placed at listed level. Walk In The Park needs little introduction as the sire of Douvan and Min, although his record with three-year-olds, as with that of trainer Isabelle Pacault, is decidedly below average.

Odiago bg Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Night Wish (Tremoplino){1-u}(0.78) 2/0 Lolita du Berlais 3rd Prix Girofla, Auteuil 2009
Arnaud Chaille-Chaille has a very strong record in the division with three wins from his first three runners this year complementing his 20% strike rate in valuable contests. His latest runner Odiago, who cost €18,000 as a yearling, is from a granddam who finished third in the 2009 Girofla. She herself is a sibling of very talented young jumpers including Bonita du Berlais, Bonito du Berlais and Nikita du Berlais. Curiously, while all these won in graded company, none managed to win in debutant contests, though they all managed to place including two on this corresponding card. Odiago is set to be the first jumps runner for Night Wish who ticks the right boxes insofar as size and stamina are concerned and his own sire, Sholokhov, has a fine record in the division.

Safe Flight bg Robert Collet Unraced
Clovis du Berlais (Midnight Legend){16-h}(0.67) 2/0 Perle de Puce 1st Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle (G2), Ascot 2003
Safe Flight is another representing a freshman stallion, this time in Clovis du Berlais. While a talented young jumper, it would be a stretch to have described him as top class and his first win over hurdles did not come until a handicap on his fifth start. At 1.68m, the size is certainly there, although his being by King's Theatre does not mark him as a precocious sort. Currently standing at Haras du Lion, he was initially based at Yorton Farm from where Safe Flight was consigned as a yearling prior to fetching £25,000. Damsire Midnight Legend also detracts from his prospects as a three-year-old, although there is still class to be found in the pedigree as third dam Ma Puce finished third in the 1990 Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil, and fourth dam Perle des Chaumes filled the same position in the 1977 Grand Prix d'Automne. Robert Collet does not have a great overall record in the division, although he has saddled a winner and two places in this particular contest from his last eight runners.

Possibilités
Puissant
The Machine
Odiago
Raisonnable
File au Poteau
Coup de Coeur
Mourinho Has
Faisable
Safe Flight
Porticello
Modéré
Magistrato
Imprenable
Délaissés
Nambiti

And there's also a race at Lyon
Missed Cue chf David Cottin Unraced
Kapgarde (King's Theatre){1-h}(0.87) 1/0 Cue To Cue 4th Doncaster Mares' Hurdle (G2), Doncaster 2012
Iamastar bg David Cottin Unraced
Balko (Poliglote){u}(0.67) 0.5 Elegant Star 1st 4600m Cross Country Chase, Pau 2020
Jogo de la Serre bg Gabriel Leenders Unraced
Jeu St Eloi (Al Namix){2-n}(0.50) 2/1 Semiramiss 2nd Prix Gaston de Bataille (L,XC) Pau 2012
Cedriyannh bf Mathieu Pitart Unraced
Sinndar (Epalo){9-e}(1.00) 2/1 Bonne Eleve 1st Prix Dawn Run (L), Auteuil 2018
Irreprochable bf Kevin Herzog Unraced
On Est Bien (Montmartre){8-f}(0.33) 1/0 Rain Artist's 1st 3500m 4&5yo Fillies Conditions Hurdle, Enghien 2015
Red Light grf Sebastien Culin f3-1-2 EsF
Morandi (Gone West){11-d}(3.33) 0.5 Red Love Moon 1st 3500m 4yo Fillies Maiden Hurdle, Hyeres 2015
Treasure Keeper bc Kevin Herzog j1-0-0
Gemix (Footstepsinthesand){13}(0.50) 2/1 Icar 4th 3800m Conditions Hurdle, Wissembourg 2018
Kalon Breizh bg Mathieu Pitart f3-0-0 (28.0)
Penny's Picnic (Elusive City){4-n}(1.55) 2/1 Iolith 1st 2m Novices' Hurdle, Kempton 2010
Darlo bg Sebastien Culin f3-0-0
Belardo (Oasis Dream){14}(3.00) No jumps relatives 3/1 Falco 5/1 Groom Dancer