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Longchamp – Selection

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keith
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C1 – PRIX DE LA MADELEINE – 1800m (a1m1/8) – TURF – Class 2 Race – Flat – EUR € 28,000

  1. GRIGNA DEL NORD – Consistent performer in three starts on turf, including in her comeback outing (4th) at Le Lion-d’Angers over 2000m on 7 April. Could have more to offer
  2. TEERAN – Progressive sort who confirmed the promise of her two starts last year with an encouraging comeback success over 2000m at Chantilly on 30 March. Exciting prospect
  3. MORNING AIR – Improved with each outing as a two-year-old to open her account over 2000m at Saint-Cloud in her third start on 17 November and ran well on her reappearance (4th) over 2000m at Chantilly on 30 March. Has more to give
  4. TZAROVSKHA – A highly regarded Sea The Stars filly. Runner-up on debut at La Teste-de-Buch on 8 August and confirmed that promise by opening her account over 1900m at Bordeaux when last seen on 3 October. Respected on her return
  5. SOUL AND ROMANCE – Flopped on her reappearance (10th) on PSF at Deauville in January but got her career back on track by winning over 1600m on the turf at Lignières on 2 March. This demands more
  6. BUBBLE GUM – Wide-margin winner on her reappearance over 1600m on heavy ground at Saint-Cloud on 1 April. Has scope for further improvement
    Summary: TEERAN (2) confirmed the promise she showed last year with an encouraging comeback win at Chantilly and is good value to build on that success by following up in this opening event. Like the selection, TZAROVSKHA (4) also boasts a Group I Prix de Diane entry and is open to further improvement on her reappearance after a last-start success as a two-year-old back in October. MORNING AIR (3), who didn’t go unnoticed when 4th in a good field on her return, and comeback scorer BUBBLE GUM (6) aren’t without a chance either. Good race!
    SELECTIONS
    TEERAN (2) – TZAROVSKHA (4) – MORNING AIR (3) – BUBBLE GUM (6)

C2 – PRIX DE L’ATHENEE – 1600m (a1m) – TURF – Class 2 Race – Flat – EUR € 27,000

  1. VINTAGE MOON – German colt unbeaten in two starts as a two-year-old (in 2022) but unplaced in three of his four appearances in 2023. Finished a modest 5th of 5 on his return to action at Mülheim over 1500m on 17 March – watch for now
  2. ANTE ALIOS – Undefeated in three outings, twice in Germany last year and on his French/stable debut on PSF over 1900m at Chantilly on 18 March when getting the better of subsequent Listed winner Galashiels. Sets the standard
  3. CICCIO BOY – Consistent for the most part and ought to have regained momentum after 2 comeback appearances this year. Should do better over this distance after finishing 8th over 2400m at Chantilly in the latest of those on 30 March
  4. TIMOTHEUS – Last-start winner over 1500m on his seasonal reappearance at Mülheim on 17 March. Has more to do here
  5. HARPER – Consistent sort with sound references/form credentials at this level, including an encouraging comeback (4th) over 1600m on PSF at Chantilly on 16 February behind CARAMELITO (11). Should have a role to play
  6. SOUS LA NEIGE – Lightly raced and consistent performer who has won once (from 7 starts) and finished 2nd five times, including on his reappearance over 1400m on PSF at Chantilly on 18 March. Keep safe
  7. RAQEEBB – Has performed consistently in five starts on the PSF, twice in England last year and in all three starts on French soil. Didn’t go unnoticed when 5th on his reappearance over 1900m at Chantilly on 18 March – dark horse
  8. CASH OUT – Made a winning reappearance in his first start on French soil at Compiegne over 1600m on 10 March. Has room for improvement
  9. DOM BERTRAND – Last-start winner over 1600m at La Teste-de-Buch on 8 August 2022. Won three and finished 2nd three times in his last six starts – dangerous to dismiss
  10. INVINCIBLE LIGHT – Sparingly raced but has already proven his competitiveness at this level. Made just two appearances last year and hasn’t been seen since finishing 12th in an 1800m Class 1 handicap at Chantilly on 18 June. Not discounted
  11. CARAMELITO – Lightly raced, ultra-consistent performer with sound references/form credentials – including both encouraging comeback runs, the latest (3rd) on PSF over 1800m at Lyon-La Soie on 6 April. Will be a factor
  12. WALDERSEE – Consistent German gelding with sound references (2 wins from 3 starts) on French soil. Absent since finishing 6th over 1200m at Hamburg on 30 June, so is best watched for now
  13. LUCKY EYE – Last-start winner over 2000m on her reappearance at Fontainebleau on 25 March. Steps up in class with scope to improve – for another day
    Summary: Unbeaten ANTE ALIOS (2) impressed on his reappearance and first start on French soil since joining Victoria Head and is good value to preserve his 100% record with improvement expected. CARAMELITO (11), however, has references on this track and boasts both the form and experience to fight for victory. The latter is 1,5kg better off with HARPER (5) so should confirm his superiority, though the consistent latter ought to remain competitive with that comeback outing run his belt. SOUS LA NEIGE (6) and CASH OUT (8) complete the shortlist.
    SELECTIONS
    ANTE ALIOS (2) – CARAMELITO (11) – HARPER (5) – SOUS LA NEIGE (6)

C3 – PRIX DE FERRIERES – 2150m (a1m1/4) – TURF – Class 1 Race – Flat – EUR € 35,000

  1. DARING PRINCE – Stylish winner on his reappearance over 2000m on the turf at Chantilly on 30 March. Will be a factor
  2. BOLIDE PORTO – Versatile colt with sound references/form credentials on both surfaces, including a last-start 3rd over 2000m at Saint-Cloud on 5 April. Dark horse
  3. SAVANNENSTERN – Highly regarded Cloth Of Stars colt who made a winning debut over 2000m at Chantilly on 30 March. Shouldn’t be underestimated with improvement on the cards
  4. ARROW EAGLE – Undefeated in two outings over 2000m on PSF at Cagnes-sur-Mer, the latest on 25 February. This half-brother to Ace Impact could remain unbeaten with improvement likely in his first start on turf
  5. SOSIE – Debut winner on the turf at Chantilly over 1600m, beating the excellent Atlast, and finished 2nd in a Listed race over 1800m at Chantilly when last seen on 27 October. Candidate for success on his reappearance
    Summary: ARROW EAGLE (4), who’s the half-brother to champion Ace Impact, has won both starts on the PSF and seems capable of preserving his unbeaten record in his first start on turf. He will, however, be tested by returning SOSIE (5) who revealed promise in two starts as a two-year-old last season and is likely to improve considerably this term. Like those rivals, DARING PRINCE (1) also has Group I Prix du Jockey-Club and Grand Prix de Paris entries, so shouldn’t be underestimated after a winning comeback, while debut winner SAVANNENSTERN (3) isn’t without a chance either with improvement on the cards.
    SELECTIONS
    ARROW EAGLE (4) – SOSIE (5) – DARING PRINCE (1) – SAVANNENSTERN (3)

C4 – PRIX DU LION DE BELFORT – 2150m (a1m1/4) – TURF – Class 3 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 27,000

  1. DIANE’STAR – Mostly modest form of late and was 6th last time out in a handicap at Salon-de-Provence over 2400m on 3 April. Others are much preferred
  2. FAYONA – Very unreliable and was well beaten last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1900m on 21 December. Capable of surprising off the same handicap mark
  3. IRLANDIA – Unbeaten this year winning three handicaps with the latest being at Saint-Cloud over 2100m on 21 March. Carries a 4.50kg penalty for that win but is not out of it
  4. STORMY NIGHT – Prefers the turf and was third last time out in a handicap at this course over 2000m on 7 April. Fitter this time and can get involved with the finish once again
  5. KIMINA – On a long losing run and was 7th last time out in a Conditions race at Saint-Cloud over 2000m on 7 April. Might play a minor role
  6. AHA – At very best over further and was runner-up last time out in a handicap at this course over 2800m on 29 October. Could need this run returning from a break
  7. HADYA – Seems to prefer the PSF these days and was runner-up last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1900m on 9 April. Might place
  8. LIXI – Disappointing last run when well beaten in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over 3000m on 26 March. Better this distance and has a place chance
  9. ANOLINE – Disappointing form this year and was 11th last time out in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over 2000m on 7 March. Others are preferred
  10. VEGA OF SAINTS – Returned from a break in fine form and was third last time out in a handicap at Chantilly over 2400m on 4 April. Can do even better this time
  11. GUITRY – Her only win a claimer in 2022 and she was 11th last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1900m on 9 April. Needs to do more to win this race
  12. JOYEUSE SAGE – Showed some improvement when third in a handicap at Chantilly over 1900m on 9 April. Has won on the turf and is not out of it
  13. LA PELEMOISE – Very consistent of late and was fourth last time out in a handicap at Senonnes-Pouancé over this distance on 14 April. Might play a minor role
  14. REVOLTEE – Disappointing form of late and was 8th last time out in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over this distance on 21 March. Has won off higher handicap marks in the past so is not out of it
  15. LAVIRCA DODVILLE – Unreliable this year and was 7th last time out in a handicap at this course over a similar distance. Capable of earning some minor money
  16. TIMBALLINA – Only win was a claimer and was 9th last time out in a Conditions race at Lyon-La Soie over 2150m on 6 April. Capable of improvement first time in a handicap
  17. NEVA NEVADA – Unreliable of late and was 8th last time out in a handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 15 April. Capable of earning some money
  18. LA YOMOGUINESS – Has lost her way this year and was 11th last time out in a handicap at Chantilly over 2400m on 4 April. Others are much preferred
    Summary: Consistent overall, VEGA OF SAINTS (10) posted a fine comeback run and can find herself in the fight for victory. Undefeated this year, IRLANDIA (3) has to carry a 4.50kg penalty for the latest win but remains a solid winning proposition. STORMY NIGHT (4) should strip fitter this time and is clearly not out of it. REVOLTEE (14) is on a very low handicap mark and can surprise.
    SELECTIONS
    VEGA OF SAINTS (10) – IRLANDIA (3) – STORMY NIGHT (4) – REVOLTEE (14)

C5 – PRIX DU PONT NEUF – 1400m (a7f) – TURF – Listed Race – Flat – EUR € 55,000

  1. TALENTUOSO – Debut winner at Saint-Cloud last year and lost little in defeat when finishing 2nd to the promising Atlast on PSF over 1500m at Chantilly when last seen on 12 October. Warrants respect on his reappearance
  2. GOLD INDEX – Won once and finished 3rd four times in his five starts last year. Didn’t go unnoticed when 6th over 1400m (PSF) on his reappearance at Chantilly on 28 March – one of several likely improvers in the race
  3. INTELLECT – Ultra-consistent performer who resumed winning ways on his reappearance over 1400m at Bordeaux on 1 April
  4. CORTADO – Debut winner over 1400m at Compiegne in September last year and finished an encouraging 2nd on his return over 1500m at Mülheim on 7 April. Ought to improve
  5. HAVANA CIGAR – Won in his first two starts as a two-year-old before finishing 3rd in three consecutive Group II events. Acquitted himself creditably when 6th in a 1600m Group I at Saint-Cloud on 22 October – absent since but worth following
  6. OPERA MUNDI – Last-start winner of a 1400m Listed race on the PSF at Deauville on 5 November. Shouldn’t be underestimated on her reappearance
  7. NICE SPIRIT – Consistent filly with sound references/form credentials on both surfaces, including a 1600m comeback success at Saint-Cloud in March and a last-start 3rd over 1400m at Bordeaux on 1 April
    Summary: A competitive Listed race in which it could pay to side with HAVANA CIGAR (5) on his reappearance, having acquitted himself well in a two-year-old Group I in his last outing. TALENTUOSO (1) also holds a Group I Poule d’Essai des Poulains entry and revealed considerable means in two starts last year. OPERA MUNDI (6), a Group I Prix de Diane entry, receives a sex allowance and has shown enough to pose a threat to her male counterparts. GOLD INDEX (2), with improvement expected after a comeback run, completes the shortlist.
    SELECTIONS
    HAVANA CIGAR (5) – TALENTUOSO (1) – OPERA MUNDI (6) – GOLD INDEX (2)

C6 – PRIX DU PAVILLON DES ANGLAIS – 1400m (a7f) – TURF – Class 3 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 22,000

  1. SUNDAY BEST – Unreliable and was 8th last time out in a handicap at Fontainebleau over 1600m on 2 March. More is needed to win this race
  2. PLANTHALYA – Disappointing last run when tenth in a handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 15 April. In good form before that and is not out of it
  3. GIORGIANA – Won twice last year and was third last time out in a Claimer at Saint-Cloud over 1300m on 12 April. More is needed to win this race
  4. FALCON – A bit of a disappointment when only 7th last time out in a handicap at Cagnes-sur-Mer over 1600m on 12 February. Might play a minor
  5. HIGHLAND ARCHER – Much improved of late and was runner-up last time out in a handicap at Pornichet-La Baule over 1700m on 27 March. Has also run well on the grass so should contest the finish
  6. ILATRAYA – Yet to win a race and was 9th last time out in a handicap at Fontainebleau over 1400m on 2 April. Capable of playing a minor role at best
  7. BUTTE ROUGE – Yet to win a race but was not disgraced last time out when third in a handicap at Compiegne over 1400m on 16 April. Place chance
  8. FECAMP – Won twice at this course in 2022 and was 5th last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1300m on 19 August. Likely to need this run returning from a break
  9. BENNY BEN – Much improved last run when fourth in a Conditions race at Saint-Cloud over 1400m on 5 April. Has claims on handicap debut
  10. JORDAN BAKER – Unreliable and was 6th last time out in a handicap at La Teste-de-Buch over 1600m on 10 April. Capable of better and has a place chance
  11. UN PLUS UNE – Yet to win a race but was not disgraced when third last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1400m on 10 April. Capable of making the frame
  12. PETERHOF – On a very long losing run and was 6th last time out in a handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 15 April. Capable of contesting the finish
  13. LORD MONCHABLON – Disappointing form of late and was 8th last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1400m on 10 April. Needs to find a few lengths to win
  14. ZANTARIO – Kept to the PSF of late and was a good fourth last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1400m on 10 April. Has won on the turf and should run a big race
    Summary: An eye-catching finisher in Deauville last time out, ZANTARIO (14) finds himself extremely well placed at the bottom of the table and has a leading role to play here. Also in good shape, PETERHOF (12) looks a threat in what remains a very open handicap. PLANTHALYA (2), has just disappointed at Chantilly but was in good form before that and deserves respect. . HIGHLAND ARCHER (5) can score back on the turf.
    SELECTIONS
    ZANTARIO (14) – PETERHOF (12) – PLANTHALYA (2) – HIGHLAND ARCHER (5)

C7 – PRIX DU TOTALISATEUR AUTOMATIQUE – 1400m (a7f) – TURF – Class 3 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 20,000

  1. JASMIN DORE – Disappointing last run when 11th in a handicap at La Teste-de-Buch over 1400m on 23 March. In good form before that and is capable of making the frame
  2. ZENIGATA – Has yet to win a race and was 8th last time out in a Conditions race at Saint-Cloud over this distance on 5 April. Others are much preferred
  3. RED NUDE ROUGE – Disappointing last two runs and was 9th last time out in a handicap at Deauville over 1300m on 2 February. Could be the surprise package back on the grass
  4. KATHALINA – Showed her very best form when scoring a handicap at La Teste-de-Buch over 1600m on 10 April. Carries a 4,50kg penalty but is not out of it
  5. GIN GEMBRE – On a very long losing run and was 5th last time out in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over this distance on 19 April. More is needed to win this race
  6. PLENTY CITY – Disappointing form of late and was tenth last time out in a handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 4 April. Fitter now and could contest the finish
  7. HYGROVE BEC – Unreliable and was 6th last time out in a handicap at Moulins over this distance on 14 April. Capable of making the frame
  8. VEGA DREAM – Holding his form well and was fourth last time out in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over this distance on 19 April. Be right there at the finish once again
  9. STRANGER – On a very long losing run but is in good form and was runner-up last time out in a handicap at Nantes over 1600m. Can go one better this distance
  10. SALSA CHIC – Has really struggled of late and was unplaced last time out in a handicap at Saint-Cloud over 1500m on 26 March. Others are preferred
  11. HYPNOTIZED – Supplemented. On a very long losing run but is in good form and was runner-up last time out in a handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 15 April. Be right there at the finish once again
  12. BULSARA – Has not shown much in 9 starts and was 9th last time out in a handicap at Compiegne over this distance on 16 April. Others are preferred
  13. KAVAKNEY – Disappointing last run when well beaten in a handicap at Chantilly over 1600m on 4 April. Capable of earning some money
  14. KOREM – Has yet to win a race after 22 starts and was 11th last time out in a handicap at Le Croisé-Laroche over 1100m on 20 April. Better this distance but others are preferred
    Summary: STRANGER (9) is in good form and could be ready to break a long losing run. HYPNOTIZED (11) is also in good order and has been supplemented for this race so will not be a surprise winner. PLENTY CITY (6) would strip fitter third run back and is not out of it. HYGROVE BEC (7) is unreliable but is one of many more runners in this race that holds a live chance.
    SELECTIONS
    STRANGER (9) – HYPNOTIZED (11) – PLENTY CITY (6) – HYGROVE BEC (7)

C8 – PRIX DE LA FONTAINE CARPEAUX – 2150m (a1m1/4) – TURF – Class 2 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 53,000

  1. INKIOSTRO – Won two handicaps late last year but showed her limitations in this category when a well-beaten 15th on PSF over 1900m at Chantilly on 14 March. Best watched for now
  2. SWIFTWAY – Showed limitations at this level by finishing 11th in her only Quinté+ appearance, albeit on her return to action. Needs to improve to have a say after a last-start 5th in a 2400m handicap at La Teste-de-Buch on 10 April
  3. SNUGGLES – Confirmed the improvement of her previous start (4th) in this category by winning the Quinté+ of 4 April over 2400m at Chantilly. Penalised 3,5kg but ought to remain competitive
  4. CENTORINA – Capable but inconsistent filly with sound references at this level. Could do better reverting to turf after finishing 9th in a 1900m Quinté on her reappearance on the PSF at Deauville on 9 April
  5. MATAURI GOLD – Has already proven her competitiveness in Quinté+ handicaps off higher marks and against male opposition. Caught the eye when 2nd on her reappearance over 2200m at Fontainebleau on 2 April – candidate for success
  6. GIRAFFE – Pleasant winner of a second event, on February 7, this competitor from Haras de La Gousserie has since repeated at the higher level, in the Quinté+, taking two podiums in as many attempts. Confirmed over distance and on soft slopes, it holds a great card to play.
  7. PINGO – Last-start winner of a 2000m conditions event at Saint-Cloud on 5 April. Returns to the handicap under 1,5kg penalty
  8. GIVE ME GOLD – Won a handicap at Clairefontaine last year before holding her own in three Quinté+ handicaps off a 2kg higher mark and didn’t go unnoticed when finishing 8th on her reappearance over 1900m (PSF) at Deauville on 9 April
  9. INDIAN GOLD – Made a winning comeback on heavy ground at Bordeaux and proved her form/well-being by finishing 3rd in a race won by PINGO (7) at Saint-Cloud over 2000m on 5 April. Meets that rival on 2,5kg better terms
  10. DEEP SEA – Made an encouraging Quinté+ debut under a 3kg penalty, finishing 4th over 2100m at Saint-Cloud on 21 March. Ought to remain competitive
  11. SEA BREAKER – Runner-up on her reappearance at Fontainebleau last month and didn’t go unnoticed when finishing 6th in the Quinté+ of 21 March at Saint-Cloud over 2100m. Dark horse
  12. LA JAVANAISE – Has won handicaps this year, both on the PSF, and has gone 5,5kg in the weights/ratings as a result. Last-start winner of a 1900m PSF handicap at Deauville on 9 April
  13. ONE POINT – Has proven her competitiveness at this level by finishing 4th in consecutive Quinté+ handicaps at Cagnes – the latest over 2500m on 21 February. Place chance
  14. LOOKING AT ME – Hasn’t finished worse than 4th in five Quinté+ appearances, including consecutive recent outings at this level. Was 2nd over 2000m at Marseille-Borely before a last-start 3rd over 2100m at Saint-Cloud on 21 March – chance
  15. CHEEK TO CHEEK – Dominated in a claiming race on 6 March before finishing last of 15 runners in the 2400m Quinté+ on 16 March at Saint-Cloud. Others preferred
  16. LORNE – Returned to form with a reassuring 2nd, between PINGO (7) and INDIAN GOLD (9), over 2000m at Saint-Cloud on 5 April. Confirmation required
    Summary: GIVE ME GOLD (8), didn’t go unnoticed on her reappearance when staying on encouragingly in a 1900m PSF handicap at Deauville. She has been eased slightly in the weights and will appreciate this extended trip. MATAURI GOLD (5), who also made a pleasing reappearance for her new yard and should improve to fight for victory along with consistent GIRAFFE (6) whose competitiveness at this level has already been established. LOOKING AT ME (14), who has never finished worse than 4th in the Quinté+ category, and INDIAN GOLD (9) also have solid claims.
    SELECTIONS
    GIVE ME GOLD (8) – MATAURI GOLD (5) – GIRAFFE (6) – LOOKING AT ME (14)

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