VIN CE NN ES - 3rd Feb rua ry

Transcription

1 VIN CE NN ES - 3rd Feb rua ry Jean-Luc Bigeon (311, 705) Driver of the day : Jean-Michel Bazire (303, 412, 608, 815) Horse of the day : Blé du Gers (608) Dark Horse : Hard Times (702) Traine r of the day : Race 1 1. SCHATZI FAYLINE - Quality Swedish mare with decent ridden form at home. Pleased behind (2) DEAUVILLA here ten days ago and should appreciate this shorter trip 2. DEAUVILLA - Has been demonstrating good consistency of late. Steps up in class but one to note all the same 3. EGAO JENILOU - Won over course and distance last summer but surprisingly lacklustre last time. Should not be hastily judged and a much better performance anticipated. Place prospect 4. ECLAT DE VERRE - Mixes the good with the less good but encouraged last time when shod over the trip. Barefoot on this occasion and can go far 5. ESPION JAUNE - Complicated but has buckets of ability. Unraced for over three months though and unlikely to shake things up 6. JERRY MOM - Seldom lets the side down in this branch of the business. Prepared with this race in mind and should have a lot to offer 7. EL DIABLO D'AUT - Failed to fire under these conditions early January but can

2 make his presence felt if he can reproduce his penultimate effort 8. DIAMANT DE TREABAT - Highly consistent sort when applied. Has never disappointed over the distance and even with shoes on can figure prominently 9. DAIDA DE VANDEL - In superb form since starting to race barefoot. Won a Class A in good order here two weeks ago and although without references over 2175m can still win this After a brace of frame-finishes (9) DAIDA DE VANDEL opened her seasonal account with a comfortable Class A win over longer here a fortnight ago. She may never have produced the goods over this trip but is barefoot again and can defy her naysayers. The delicate (4) ECLAT DE VERRE produced a good effort when shod over course and distance a month back however with shoes off for the occasion looks a serious prospect. (3) EGAO JENILOU faulted early that day to finish eighth but can more than make amends if he can get off on the right foot. Barring his recent sanction (8) DIAMANT DE TREABAT has been very hard to fault this meeting and will also have his chances. (9) DAIDA DE VANDEL - (4) ECLAT DE VERRE - (3) EGAO JENILOU - (8) DIAMANT DE TREABAT

3 Race 2 1. FORTUNA - Complicated but is no slouch when applied. Reassured at Lyon ten days ago and with Nivard at the helm this time will be afforded every chance 2. FINLANDE PIERJI - Still chasing that elusive first win but has shown marked improvement since going barefoot. Close second in a similar event at Cagnes last time and will have a good hand to play 3. FILLE DE LA FERME - Still a maiden from 13 but in the frame in last three. Proved herself over the distance late December and going barefoot for the first time can finally get that maiden monkey off her back 4. FIRST LADY CARJAC - Not the easiest horse to handle but has evident ability. Reassured over longer here recently and on good behaviour can go close 5. FINE LAME - Moderate sort that has started to improve. Gave a good account behind (4) FIRST LADY CARJAC last time and can pick up another cheque 6. FLEUR DE LOSQUE - Seldom strings two good performances together but has ability. Has no love for Vincennes but goes first time without front shoes and at this level must be respected 7. FIRST THING FIRST - Won over this trip earlier in the meeting but out of the picture in next two. Returns fresh and with hind shoes off for first time can get back in the game 8. FILLE DE PRINCE - Has evident talent but can prove a handful. Caught the eye here a fortnight ago and with application can finish in the mix 9. FILLY RAINBOW - Decent filly that has already won under these conditions. Sanctioned in last three and drawn wide but with application can make her presence felt 10. FARANDOLA BELLA - Has shown decent ability in the provinces. Sanctioned early on Vincennes debut but should not be too harshly judged 11. FIDJI DES THUYAS - Reliability not her strong suit but showed her form and tenacity here mid-january and must be afforded respect 12. FAVORITE - Showed early promise but has been off the boil of late. Hind shoes off for the first time but still not an obvious choice (3) FILLE DE LA FERME has enjoyed something of a change in fortune over the past six weeks - including a close second under these conditions. She is first time barefoot and from the 3-spot can finally get off the mark. Ideally positioned on the front line (4) FIRST LADY CARJAC showed marked improvement over longer here last time and going unshod again will have a lot to offer. (6) FLEUR DE LOSQUE has never delivered at the venue but drops down the class ladder

4 and going without front shoes can prove key to her redemption. (2) FINLANDE PIERJI has taken particularly well to racing unshod all four and her recent Cagnes performance augurs well for her chances. (3) FILLE DE LA FERME - (4) FIRST LADY CARJAC - (6) FLEUR DE LOSQUE - (2) FINLANDE PIERJI

5 Race 3 1. EVEREST DE BLARY - Just one win to his name in 35 starts. No fan of Vincennes and chances slim at best 2. EPHILOU - Showed considerable promise early on but has completely lost his way. Unseen for over two months and can be passed over 3. EOLIEN DE CHENU - Has not once disappointed this winter when barefoot. Steps marginally back up in class but is well positioned in front and looks a major player 4. ERAPOLIS - Seldom gets his nose in front but has a superb entry here and his recent performance stands him in good stead 5. EJAG - Won three on the trot during the autumn but less effective since. Has a good turn of foot though and should not be ignored 6. EZRAKITE - Seen more often in the claiming division but encouraged behind (4) ERAPOLIS last time and will have his supporters 7. ELITLOVE PASMARICK - Dependability not his strong suit and has twice failed to confirm Cabourg victory. Disregard 8. ENFANTIN - Complicated but twice a winner in four starts here. Is barefoot for second race back and if fully fit can win this 9. EUNIS DU PATURAL - Tricky sort but is clearly in form. Unlucky here last time but can make amends and challenge for a spot on the podium 10. EXTRA MOSSA - Won under these conditions last winter. Just second start back but has hind shoes off and must be respected 11. ECAILLEUR - Delicate but caught the eye here late last month. Shoes back on but with application can defy the draw and go close 12. EXOTIC JET - Faithful servant for the most part under harness. Starts on the back line in a superior category and chances limited 13. EDELWEISS PARK - Capable on a good day but struggling with stride problems and has little to offer (8) ENFANTIN can prove a handful but is a quality individual all the same. He has just one comeback run in him but is barefoot for the occasion and should be good enough to win a race of this nature. (11) ECAILLEUR is never far from losing his action either but showed his form recently and despite the draw can still play an important role. (3) EOLIEN DE CHENU has been on an excellent run lately. JMB has kept faith and from the 3-spot will have a lot to offer. (9) EUNIS DU PATURAL starts wide but is presently in form and can put on a good show if

6 he can stay in stride. (8) ENFANTIN - (11) ECAILLEUR - (3) EOLIEN DE CHENU - (9) EUNIS DU PATURAL

7 Race 4 1. COCKTAIL DESBOIS - Winner of his last two in the claiming division. Debuts shod for new trainer and best to monitor this time 2. BON PARCOURS - Nothing of note to his name since surprising in the provinces early December and will have few friends 3. CAUCASIEN - Acquitted himself well in last three in the provinces. Comes here fresh and going barefoot this time can get a look in 4. CHESS D'OR - Has just two races under his belt following a long absence. Stays shod and no threat 5. CYRANO DU CHATELET - Got back in the game with a good effort at Chateaubriant last month but a repeat looks distinctly unlikely 6. BATOUNET - In the frame just once in last five months and has no love for Vincennes. Disregard 7. CYBELE JHEQ - Has not been firing on all cylinders and recent effort over course and distance did little to inspire confidence 8. BE LOVE DESBOIS - Has made the frame just once since May 2017 and in present shape can be confidently ruled out 9. DORUS WELL - Twice a winner here last winter but very disappointing since and has no realistic chance 10. BLACKY DE CAMBRON - Has not stepped a foot out of place since the summer. Debuts at Vincennes but is barefoot in front and must be afforded respect 11. CONCERTO DES DUNES - Winner of three of his last six and latterly in style at Bordeaux. Has a good turn of foot and looks competitive from the first row 12. CIDJIE DE GUEZ - Not the most attractive proposition on paper but caught the eye here last Monday and with application can make amends 13. DENTELLA BELLA - On an excellent run of form this winter. Put in a very good time here mid-january and from the front line can apply the pressure on (16) DANDY DE GODREL 14. DEGANAWIDAH - Not the most reliable but is confirmed here at a superior level. Is well in on the front row and if focused will not be far from the action 15. COUMBA KUKY - Faithful servant with good references here and is confirmed over the distance but with the penalty will struggle to leave her mark 16. DANDY DE GODREL - Very impressive of late and recently won a Gr.3 under these conditions with a certain ease. On the back row but still the horse to beat 17. DEESSE DES LANDES - Has not made the frame for some time but unable

8 to express herself when full of running here last time. On the back line though and no more than a minor place chance 18. DANCING LOVE - Drops back in category after twice racing respectably over course and distance and a repeat of his penultimate effort would see him go close A serious campaigner when barefoot (16) DANDY DE GODREL secured a Gr.3 over course and distance in very good order a fortnight ago and even though on the second line this time can still double his money. The reinvigorated (13) DENTELLA BELLA breaks with a 25m head-start and in current form will be no pushover. (18) DANCING LOVE drops in class after a pair of decent efforts under these conditions and despite the handicap should not be far off the mark. (11) CONCERTO DES DUNES returns to the capital on the back of a superb Bordeaux victory and together with (14) DEGANAWIDAH looks the best of the minor place prospects. (16) DANDY DE GODREL - (13) DENTELLA BELLA - (18) DANCING LOVE - (11) CONCERTO DES DUNES - (14) DEGANAWIDAH - (10) BLACKY DE CAMBRON - (12) CIDJIE DE GUEZ - (17) DEESSE DES LANDES

9 Race 5 1. DAELIA DE VANDEL - Has done nothing but impress under the saddle this winter. Will not be inconvenienced by the drop in trip and should figure prominently 2. CODIE DE BEAULIEU - Unremarkable sort that has not done enough to be considered a contender and can be ruled out 3. DAYTONA JET - Returns to Vincennes on a five-timer. Thrives under these conditions and although stepping up in class still looks a player 4. SUPER FEZ - Good class of trotter making first appearance under the saddle and would not be here if Bazire were not convinced of his ability 5. CASSATE - Gr.1-winning mare but appears to be a long way off her best and her Cornulier performance did nothing to reassure 6. DEXTER FROMENTRO - Excellent campaigner that trotted a fine third in the Cornulier. Has never disappointed over this trip and is the obvious choice 7. VALSE DE REVE - Blows hot and cold but boasts a good record over 2175m and with shoes off this time can pick up some stake money 8. DRAGON DU FRESNE - Has not won for 13 months but always gives his best. Appreciates the trip and comes here fresh but still not an obvious choice 9. ALPHA SALTOR - A beaten seventh in the Cornulier but is more at home over this trip and a place in the frame is well within his capacity One of the most consistent horses in the business (6) DEXTER FROMENTRO finished third in the Prix de Cornulier a fortnight ago and in the absence of the first two he looks set to secure his first Group 1. On a roll since the autumn (1) DAELIA DE VANDEL is as tough as they come and while untried over the distance still looks a serious proposition. Only seventh two weeks ago (9) ALPHA SALTOR drops back to a trip he appreciates and is similarly a realistic place prospect. (3) DAYTONA JET has won her last four ridden starts - twice over 2175m - and although taking a big leap in class can still hold her own. (6) DEXTER FROMENTRO - (1) DAELIA DE VANDEL - (9) ALPHA SALTOR - (3) DAYTONA JET

10 Race 6 1. DROLE DE JET - Won on re-entry mid-november but below-par in both here since and will need to show marked improvement 2. BARRIO JOSSELYN - Has struggled with form since winning a Class A over the distance last November and racing shod will have little to offer 3. DIGITAL INK - Serious Scandinavian type making French debut. Is barefoot for the occasion with Raffin at the helm and should not be too far off the mark 4. BALBIR - Faithful servant returning to Paris on the back of a good third to (6) BEL AVIS in a Cagnes Gr.3. Won the Gr.3 Prix Jean Dumouch last time at Vincennes and looks a player once more 5. VENOSC DE MINEL - Blows hot and cold but reassured in the Gr.3 Prix du Forez three weeks ago and will have his supporters 6. BEL AVIS - Quality individual making first appearance since winning a Cagnes Gr.3 early January but shoes back on and no threat 7. TONY GIO - Has ample ability but never easy to gauge. Moderate 6th to (6) BEL AVIS at Cagnes but goes barefoot this time and could pleasantly surprise 8. BLE DU GERS - Superb campaigner that has been held back for this. Won the GNT final before trotting second to stablemate Cleangame in a Gr.3 over the distance last time and will take all the beating 9. ANZI DES LIARDS - Enjoyed a good run in both codes late last year. Unseen since early December but appreciates these conditions and can play a major role 10. CASH GAMBLE - Struggled early in the meeting but got back on track last weekend when second in a Gr.3 over shorter. Not the most productive over 2700m but can still figure prominently One of the best geldings in Jean-Michel Bazire's stable (8) BLE DU GERS skipped the Prix du Luxembourg to stay fresh for this contest and will be hard to beat. The principal threat should logically come from the delicate (10) CASH GAMBLE who reassured in no uncertain terms in that race last weekend. Unseen since early December (9) ANZI DES LIARDS comes here fresh and has nothing to prove under these conditions. (7) TONY GIO blows hot and cold but has a decent record over 2700m here and can pick up some stake money. (8) BLE DU GERS - (10) CASH GAMBLE - (9) ANZI DES LIARDS - (7) TONY GIO

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12 Race 7 1. EQUINOXE JIEL - Decent trotter but has better credentials in the other code. Has just one race in him and no threat 2. HARD TIMES - Quality Swedish type that won a Solvalla Gr.2 before being sent to France. Not at his ease on Vincennes debut in race of reference but front shoes off this time and should not be underestimated 3. ESTOLA - Enjoyed a fine stint before being sanctioned in Prix de Croix. Stays shod this time and not a priority 4. VOLTAIRE GIFONT - Unplaced behind Cleangame in Gr.2 Prix de Luxembourg but by no means disgraced. Better over shorter but at this level can make the first five 5. VAINQUEUR RP - Impressive winner of the Gr.2 Prix de Croix here last month. Drops back in class and unlikely to meet much resistance 6. DELLORO VEDAQUAIS - Has not won since the spring but consistently in the thick of things. Good second in a Gr.3 over 2100m last weekend and in similar form can again go close 7. ELITE DU RUEL - Capable on a good day and confirmed over course and distance but below-par in last two and must raise her game 8. EXPRESS JET - Consistent type that showed marked improvement when third to (5) VAINQUEUR RP in Prix de Croix after Criterium disappointment and looks the principal threat 9. DRAGON DES RACQUES - In the frame in two of last three and latterly denied a passage. With more luck in running will not be far off the mark 10. DOBERMAN - Has placed just once in last five. Unthreatening over 2850m a fortnight ago and chances limited After having shown considerable ability in Scandinavia (5) VAINQUEUR RP has taken his game to a new level since coming to France. Sixth in the Criterium Continental he went on to win the Gr.2 Prix de Croix with ease next time and again looks the horse to beat. Rarely disappointing when applied the talented (8) EXPRESS JET finished third that day and looks a serious prospect once more. (6) DELLORO VEDAQUAIS reassured in a Gr.3 over shorter here last weekend and is a good contender for a place. (9) DRAGON DES RACQUES was unable to express himself last time and can make amends.

13 (5) VAINQUEUR RP - (8) EXPRESS JET - (6) DELLORO VEDAQUAIS - (9) DRAGON DES RACQUES

14 Race 8 1. DANAOS - Has done little of note for some time and even with front shoes off looks a rank outsider 2. DREAM DE LION - Blows hot and cold but imposed with authority at Argentan last time and on good behaviour can get in on the action 3. DJANGO DES ILES - As inclement as the wind but tends to perform well for his driver and should be good enough to pick up a cheque 4. DAN JOSSELYN - Proven under these conditions but in current can be written off 5. DALTON - Decent sort making first appearance since August 2017 and best to monitor 6. DESIR PRINCIER - Often indisciplined but otherwise in excellent condition and does not make the long trip north to see the sights 7. DESIREZ MOI - Sprang a surprise when winning at Mauquenchy recently at Shoes back on and not a priority 8. DREAM DU ROUSSOIR - Has endured a shocking run of form this term and can expect to have few friends 9. DROP DE SARDANE - Won at Laval early December but has twice failed to confirm since and with shoes on will have little to offer 10. DUC DE BOISNEY - Enjoying a very productive run since the autumn. Steps up in class but should nonetheless acquit himself honourably 11. DREAM ZAERI - Has been in flying form this winter. Seldom seen going lefthanded but is confirmed here and looks a player 12. DIAMOND OAKS - Placed on just one occasion last year and got 2019 off to a modest start. Disregard 13. DANUBE BLEU - Moderate type whose latest effort did not go unnoticed but others still preferred 14. DJANGO DE MONGOCHY - Has ability but very complicated. Unseen since last May and will need the run 15. DIVIN D'AXEL - Very hard to knock when unshod these days. Benefits from a top driver in the sulky and can return to winning ways 16. DESTIN D'HAUFOR - Completely out of the picture in all three starts this winter - due to illness - but Bigeon's horses getting back on track and should not be underestimated 17. DINO VOLO - Delicate but otherwise a very good servant. Reassured under the saddle recently and with application can make a big impact

15 Solid in his last two when barefoot (15) DIVIN D'AXEL returns to Vincennes with JMB at the helm and can expect to garner significant support but will meet opposition from the good dual-discipline (17) DINO VOLO provided the latter can get off on the right foot. In flying form of late (11) DREAM ZAERI goes lefthanded this time and if he turns will not be far from the action. (2) DREAM DE LION stormed up at Nantes three weeks ago and is sure to generate interest. (3) DJANGO DES ILES is not everyone's cup of tea but gets on well with M.Abrivard and will have his supporters. (15) DIVIN D'AXEL - (17) DINO VOLO - (11) DREAM ZAERI - (2) DREAM DE LION - (3) DJANGO DES ILES

16 Race 9 1. BREEDER'S CUP - Delicate but has good references under these conditions. Went close in a Class C here recently and can again make the frame 2. BUSINESS CLASS - Quality element that seldom disappoints when applied. Close third to (1) BREEDER'S CUP last time and must be respected 3. BOSTON TERRIE - Serious sort that thrives under these conditions. Benefits from a short breather and will have his chances 4. BUTCH CASSIDY - Reliability not his thing but reassured when third to (9) VALFLEURY in the race of reference and with application can play another important role 5. BELLINISSIMO - Modest fourth behind (6) CASH DU RIB here mid-january and unlikely to shake things up 6. CASH DU RIB - Seldom wins but solid in last two in better company. Unbeaten over 2850m on the short course and must not be overlooked 7. CANDIE D'ATOUT - Is not without merit but very erratic. Has been prepared for this though and going barefoot with M.Abrivard on board could pleasantly surprise 8. BANJO DE LA NOEMIE - Consistent sort that trotted fourth to (9) VALFLEURY a fortnight ago but is better in this time and looks the main opposition 9. VALFLEURY - Dynamic winner over the main track last month after having imposed over course and distance earlier in the meeting. Superb with his apprentice and looks the pick of the field 10. AMIRAL DU BISSON - Disappointing on the whole since returning from a long absence. Just second start under the saddle and will have few takers 11. AUFOR DE MIRE - Unremarkable sort that made a modest ridden debut here mid-december and chances limited 12. VIVIER DE L'OISON - No slouch on a good day but out of the picture in last three and even at this level will have his work cut out Winner of his last two starts under the saddle - one of which under these conditions - (9) VALFLEURY is unbeaten with Mathilde Collet in the irons and can expect the lion's share of support. As consistent as they come in this branch of the game (8) BANJO DE LA NOEMIE finished fourth to him last time but is better off at the weights on this occasion and looks the main threat. (1) BREEDER'S CUP has won two of three over course and distance and after posting a solid performance on the main track recently looks competitive for a place. (4) BUTCH CASSIDY finished third to the selection a fortnight ago and

17 with focus can again figure prominently. (9) VALFLEURY - (8) BANJO DE LA NOEMIE - (1) BREEDER'S CUP - (4) BUTCH CASSIDY

18 PAU - 3rd February Trainer of the day : François Nicolle (204, 201, 301, 507, 803) Jockey of the day : Stéphane Paillard (608, 708, 807) Horse of the day : Fiumicino (501) Dark Horse : Celtino (801) Race 1 1. FABIANO BELLO - Well beaten in both of his career starts at Nantes last Autumn. Will need to improve 2. PASTEL DE NATA - Won a claiming hurdle over course and distance here last month. Leading contender today 3. MIRASTAR - Runner up behind (2) PASTEL DE NATA a claiming hurdle over course and distance here last month. Respected 4. TURFISTE - Runner-up in claiming hurdle at Nantes last November but two poor efforts at Cagnes last month 5. BLUE HONEY MOON - Runner up behind Guadalcanal a claiming hurdle over course and distance here last month. Has a chance 6. PETITMEC DAVIER - Pulled up on his debut here last month in a race won by Fripon Du Seuil. Others preferred 7. SWISS BANK - Fourth behind (2) PASTEL DE NATA a claiming hurdle over course and distance here last month. Place claims 8. RECAP - Has done nothing of note in four starts over hurdles so far and is probably best to watch for now 9. JANAJKA - Showed promise on the flat before failing to shine in three starts over hurdles. Best to look elsewhere 10. HERA OF THE GLADE - Modest in all four starts in this code so far and needs to show vast improvement to feature (2) PASTEL DE NATA had finished third here twice before winning a claiming hurdle over course and distance here last time out when beating (3) MIRASTAR who had improved from his debut, in a close finish on January 20th. He is the selection to confirm those placings today. (5) BLUE HONEY MOON and (7) SWISS BANK can fill the minor placings.

19 (2) PASTEL DE NATA - (3) MIRASTAR - (5) BLUE HONEY MOON - (7) SWISS BANK

20 Race 2 1. EMIR DES PLACES - Demonstrated ability in this code last winter and was a winner here on January 20th. Place claims 2. ENJEU D'ARTHEL - Has won three of his four career starts including a five length win on his chase debut here in December. Contender 3. EL GRINGO - Has won five of his seventeen career runs including a chase here last time out. Consider 4. LADY DE ROCHE - Runner up behind Santa Fix in a chase here in December. Not without a chance today 5. GOJI - Creditable third behind (1) EMIR DES PLACES here on January 20th. Up against it today 6. ALPHA JOA - A winner here in December and third behind (2) ENJEU D'ARTHEL here last month. Needs to do more 7. ELDORADO DE KERSER - Down the field in both of his chase starts at this venue so far. Hard to make a case for him 8. ARQANASIA - Well beaten fourth behind Sainte Saone in a chase here last time out. More required 9. SOLIDAM - Was pulled-up on chase debut here last month and then a faller here last time out (3) EL GRINGO has won five of his seventeen career runs, four of which were at this track, including a chase over 3900m here last time out. He can get the better of (2) ENJEU D'ARTHEL who has won three of his four career starts including a five length win on his chase debut here in December. (4) LADY DE ROCHE and (1) EMIR DES PLACES are next best. (3) EL GRINGO - (2) ENJEU D'ARTHEL - (4) LADY DE ROCHE - (1) EMIR DES PLACES

21 Race 3 1. SANTA FIX - Won over hurdles at Toulouse in December and won a chase here last month. Leading player 2. JEAN LUC - Won a competitive handicap hurdle at Compiegne last Spring. Has place prospects today 3. LYON CLERMONT - Won a conditions hurdle here in December but a little disappointing since then. Respected 4. LOVINA - One victory from her seven career runs but was well beaten in a handicap hurdle here last month 5. ROI D'OUDALLE - Opened his account when winning a claiming hurdle here eleven days ago. Tougher test today 6. PRETENDER ALANA - Looked a promising juvenile hurdler last winter but failed to confirm over the bigger fences recently 7. E'TCHARLIE - Winner on both the flat and over hurdles. Pulled up in a handicap hurdle here last month 8. MOODY MARY - Runner up behind Saint Anjou in a handicap hurdle here last time out. Not ruled out 9. CHAROIT - Posted a good first-start over hurdles at Agen in November. Pulled up in a handicap hurdle here last month 10. TEAHUPOO VEGA - Pulled up or unplaced in all six of his career starts to date and others are preferred today Placed in her first three starts (1) SANTA FIX was a comfortable winner over hurdles at Toulouse in December and followed that up with an impressive win in a chase here last month. She can make it three in a row today. (8) MOODY MARY was runner up behind Saint Anjou in a handicap hurdle here last time out and looks the main danger. (3) LYON CLERMONT and (2) JEAN LUC can make the frame. (1) SANTA FIX - (8) MOODY MARY - (3) LYON CLERMONT - (2) JEAN LUC

22 Race 4 1. MIKELTOS - A good strike rate with twelve from forty seven including his last three in Spain. Respected 2. TRICHEUR - A dozen wins from over a century of starts. Well beaten in a handicap here nine days ago 3. SWEET MAMBO - Two time winner from twenty one starts. Third in a conditions race here last time out. Consider 4. LURAYAN - Runner up behind Squamish in a Class G claimer here last time out. Not without a chance 5. ALARA - Won two handicaps on fibresand at Deauville last Winter but has blown hot and cold since then 6. SUNDAY RACER - Decent effort when third behind Vim in a Class E handicap here nine days ago 7. SAINT HONORE - Third behind Squamish in a Class G claimer here last time out. Place prospects today 8. FULL COURT PRESS - Fair effort when third of fourteen behind Monzalvos in a Class G claimer here last time out (3) SWEET MAMBO ran well here last time out when third of eight behind Zafiro in a conditions race over course and distance. A repeat of that run could be good enough today. (4) LURAYAN was runner up behind Squamish in a Class G claimer here last month and looks the main danger to the selection. (1) MIKELTOS and (7) SAINT HONORE are next best. (3) SWEET MAMBO - (4) LURAYAN - (1) MIKELTOS - (7) SAINT HONORE

23 Race 5 1. FIUMICINO - Has won half of his eight runs and now goes for the hat trick at this venue 2. POWDER PATH - All five runs came last season and won the first two of those but not so sharp since 3. SUNDAY A PARIS - Placed in five of his eight runs and will do well to gain a bracket here 4. BRAZIL DE L'ORME - Triple winner from fourteen runs. Arrives here in very good form today 5. BI BEACH - Fifth on flat debut and since won last two in a row including here last time 6. FARO DES MALBERAUX - Dual winner from eight runs and runner up to Uniketat when looking for a hat trick here last time 7. ALTUS - Off the mark on last of four runs when successful here so might build on that 8. UNIKETAT - Broke the ice on the last of five runs which came here last year in December 9. FEELING FAST - Off the mark on latest of six runs which came here and should do better now as a result 10. DOCTOR SQUEEZE - One win from nine runs. Fell here last time and has a job of work to do here 11. THRILLING - Triple winner from seven runs and fell here last time when going for a hat trick This is really a good Listed contest and is so ultra competitive. (1) FIUMICINO is one of several in with a chance but is the one given the vote having won his last two in a row here and is very much on the upgrade. He has also won half of his eight starts. (11) THRILLING and (7) ALTUS can fight out second in front of (5) BI BEACH. (1) FIUMICINO - (11) THRILLING - (7) ALTUS - (5) BI BEACH

24 Race 6 1. UROQUOIS - Ten wins from thirty eight and won last three runs here. The obvious choice again 2. BALDAQUIN - Four wins from thirty four. Runner up in last two and to Uroquois here last time 3. CAREFREE - Gained breakthrough success from twenty one here in December and second to Parc Monceau last time also 4. BUCEFAL - Half a dozen wins from twenty two. Very consistent sort and well noted here 5. UNIMENT - Half a dozen wins from fifty three but will struggle to make any impact here 6. CHICNAME DE COTTE - Dual winner from twenty five. Fell here last time so on a recovery mission 7. PARC MONCEAU - Half a dozen wins from thirty and beat some of these rivals here last time 8. SAYING AGAIN - Fourteen wins from forty five and this veteran did it well here last time. The danger to the favourite 9. CARLOTA ROQUE - Five wins from twenty four inncluding here last time but this is more difficult Horses that have good strike rates and that go on winning streaks and moreover at a particular venue must command the utmost respect so therefore it is particularly easy to plump for (1) UROQUOIS who now goes for four in a row at Pau. He looks rock solid to see off (8) SAYING AGAIN who is a grand old veteran. (4) BUCEFAL and (2) BALDAQUIN have strong frame claims. (1) UROQUOIS - (8) SAYING AGAIN - (4) BUCEFAL - (2) BALDAQUIN

25 Race 7 1. ARGENTIER - Ten time winner from forty one. Runner up in last two here and should run well 2. LE ROCHER - English raider who has won eight times. Has a bit on plate here though 3. POLIPA - Evergreen veteran who succeeded here again last time out and can challenge for a place 4. FAUBURG ROSETGRI - Five wins from thirty one. Finished third in last three attempts here 5. ALL TOGETHER - Three time winner from twenty seven. Fourth here last time and looks an outsider 6. FORTHING - Won a Grade Three chase here last time and now going for four in a row at the venue. Looks the one with terrific strike rate 7. STRAYING - Still a maiden after a dozen attempts and will remain that way after this 8. CARRIACOU - Excellent return win here after a long time off last month and can finish second here This Listed hurdle sets up perfectly for (6) FORTHING to gain his fourth straight win in a row following a Grade Three romp over fences here last time and indeed all his last three wins have come at this venue. Reverting to hurdles will pose no problem whatsoever. (8) CARRIACOU did great here last time following a big break and must be respected. (3) POLIPA is evergreen and will run well as should (1) ARGENTIER. (6) FORTHING - (8) CARRIACOU - (3) POLIPA - (1) ARGENTIER

26 Race 8 1. CELTINO - Five wins from nineteen including last two in a row and also at this venue 2. AMIRANDE - Seven time victor from fifty seven. Fourth in a Grade Three here last time 3. SHAKAPON - Five time winner from nineteen. Placed in good contests here lately so in form 4. ARLEQUIN D'ALLIER - Four wins from eighteen. Placed in latest few here including a Grade Three 5. BUISENESS SIVOLA - A dual winner from fifteen. A little bit unexposed all the same and ran over hurdles the last twice 6. CRACK MATH - Half a dozen wins from twenty four. Nice enough sort but something to find 7. WINNEYEV - Five time scorer from twenty two. Great return run lately after extended absence This conditions steeplechase affords a great chance for (7) WINNEYEV to get back to winnings ways. The former very smart sort and Graded winner was absent for a very long time before making an excellent return here last month over hurdles when finishing runner up. He will take this if avoiding the bounce. (1) CELTINO and (3) SHAKAPON can fight out for second with (2) AMIRANDE in the mix also. (7) WINNEYEV - (1) CELTINO - (3) SHAKAPON - (2) AMIRANDE