AUTEUIL - 18th March Guillaume Macaire James Reveley So French Sun Zéphir Race 1 Summary

Transcription

1 AUTEUIL - 18th March Horse of the day : So French (601) Dark Horse : Sun Zéphir (310) Trainer of the day : Guillaume Macaire (109, 110, 205, 204, 403, 402, 601) Jockey of the day : James Reveley (109, 403, 601, 805) Race 1 1. VILAMOURA - By Rajsaman and is the third foal to run out of a dam that won one from sixteen 2. HAPPY MONARCH - By Saint Des Saints and from a top-nh yard. Betting will guide 3. FIDELE AU POSTE - By Saint des Saints and out of a well-related mare. Top- NH yard and must be respected 4. PIC D'ORHY - Half-brother to smart performer Eclair Gris. Expect a big run 5. BEST STROKE - Not much to fancy on the breeding side and best to watch unless betting suggests otherwise 6. LORD PIT - Beaten a long way on sole run on the flat. Can confidently be passed over 7. ALASKAN BOY - Newcomer by Muhtathir out of top-nh mare Laskaline. Should run a big race 8. ANDOINS - Well-regarded by connections and market shall prove informative 9. BLUE SILVER - From top-nh yard. Well-related on the dam's side and must be shortlisted 10. GOLIATH DU BERLAIS - By Saint des Saints and out of a Group-placed mare at Auteuil. Not one to rule out

2 The booking of top-jockey Jonathan Plouganou suggests that (7) ALASKAN BOY must be the best chance of Guy Cherel' horses. He is out of Group III chasewinner Laskaline and should be ready to run a big race. Guillaume Macaire's pair (9) BLUE SILVER and (10) GOLIATH DU BERLAIS are the most likely dangers to the selection. (2) HAPPY MONARCH will come next in the pick. (7) ALASKAN BOY - (9) BLUE SILVER - (10) GOLIATH DU BERLAIS - (2) HAPPY MONARCH

3 Race 2 1. FIRST DAUM - Has shown ability in the Province but faces a tough assignment here and is best to pass over 2. HONNEUR DES OBEAUX - A winner over hurdles last year. Made promising debut over fences at the start of the month at the venue 3. JOIE DU NET - Improving filly who was impressive over hurdles last time and switches back to fences with every chance 4. LA ISLAMINIMA - Has been very consistent in both disciplines last year. First time at Auteuil 5. GOOD LUCKY - A sound winner of his first start over fences on comeback run. Has plenty more to offer 6. CARMEN DU BERLAIS - Has never won a race over jumps in 6 starts in both disciplines. Not a priority A winner at the venue over hurdles last year (5) GOOD LUCKY(3) JOIE DU NET comes in on the back of a solid display over fences at Fontainebleau and will take a power of beating. Nonetheless it may be wise to keep a close eye on (3) JOIE DU NET who has shown big promises at Pau and Compiegne. (2) HONNEUR DES OBEAUX and (4) LA ISLAMINIMA can make the frame. (5) GOOD LUCKY - (3) JOIE DU NET - (2) HONNEUR DES OBEAUX - (4) LA ISLAMINIMA

4 Race 3 1. ACHOUR - Two pounds worst off than he was last year when winning this race last year. Has to be considered though 2. LES BEAUFS - Group I winner on the flat. Has down well since switched to hurdles 3. INTRINSEQUE - Always runs well at Cagnes sur Mer but will have limited aspirations back at Auteuil 4. ARAGORN D'ALALIA - Won a big handicap hurdle at the venue last May. on a tough mark at present but on-form stable and definitely worth a look in 5. LAMIGO - Has run well at Cagnes sur Mer last winter on several occasions but has little room for maneuver off current mark 6. KAMI KAZE - Nine pounds above last winning mark. Off since 18 November and may need the race 7. MONA LOUISA - Won a Quinte over hurdles at Pau at 35/1 last January. Well beaten next start at Compiegne 8. CAYO DE PAIL - Course and distance winner. Competitive under this mark and can be on the shortlist 9. FRACAFIGURA HAS - Far from disgraced last time out at Compiegne in a big handicap hurdle. On a workable mark at present 10. SUN ZEPHIR - Good last effort in this division at Compiegne. Expected to be in the mix once again 11. LOVELY VALLEE - Finished fourth in the race of reference at Compiegne. First time at Auteuil wich is never a plus 12. RED ROCKY - Disappointed at Cagnes sur Mer over the winter. Won at the venue at the end of last year. Outside chance 13. OLYMPIC TORCH - Has featured off higher mark in identical contests last year and cannot be ruled out 14. DECEPTION ISLAND - Consistent in this discipline but does not have the best of record at Auteuil. Not a priority 15. BLUES WAVE - Poor recent form. Faces a tough assignment on first run at Auteuil 16. SANTANA DU BERLAIS - Appears to have little room for maneuver against the older horses and best to pass over 17. MUKONZI HAS - Has run well fresh in the past and is on a workable mark at present. Can surprise

5 (2) LES BEAUFS has taken well to this new discipline over the years and is expected to run a big race despite returning from a four months absence. He will be ground suited and can be retained ahead of (4) ARAGORN D'ALALIA who was very unlucky in his last run over fences. (10) SUN ZEPHIR's last effort is very promising. (5) LAMIGO is competitive under these conditions. (2) LES BEAUFS - (4) ARAGORN D'ALALIA - (10) SUN ZEPHIR - (17) MUKONZI HAS - (5) LAMIGO - (8) CAYO DE PAIL - (1) ACHOUR - (13) OLYMPIC TORCH

6 Race 4 1. SPINOZZAR - Won three from four last year at Compiegne including a Group III. Has untapped potential and should be ready 2. TUNIS - Beaten a neck by (3) MASTER DINO in a Group I over course & distance last year. Big expectations on comeback run 3. MASTER DINO - Crowned best three year old hurdler in France last year. Has to be hugely respected 4. PESK EBREL - Has a bit to find on form to win this race but has plenty of ability and cannot be discounted 5. EQUEMAUVILLE - Beaten three lengths when second to (1) SPINOZZAR in a Group III at Compiegne last November. Off since then 6. EN PLEIN SUD - Has featured in a pair of valuable events at Cagnes sur Mer this winter. Faces a totally different challenge here Twice a winner (including in a Group I) ahead of (2) TUNIS in his last two starts of last season (3) MASTER DINO should go off favorite in this fascinating contest. (2) TUNIS's last effort is best to be forgotten as he probably needed the break. (1) SPINOZZAR has demonstrated plenty of ability last year and must be monitored in what will be his first run at Auteuil. (3) MASTER DINO - (2) TUNIS - (1) SPINOZZAR - (5) EQUEMAUVILLE

7 Race 5 1. VAN GOGH DU GRANIT - Good last two runs at Pau but faces a tough assignment in this division 2. CALKI - Lightly-raced but can run well fresh and should not be overlooked 3. AZROU D'EX - Ended last season on a good note and seldom runs bad races. Respected 4. CASINO DES BOIS - Seldom wins races but is competitive under these conditions and has to be respected 5. CABOY - Lightly-raced but consistent for the most part and must be monitored on first start at the venue 6. BAPTIST'PALACE - Poor recent form is probably reflective of his chance. Can be passed over 7. ULYSSE DES PICTONS - Outclassed rivals in a condition chase at Fontainebleau latest and must be hugely respected 8. BLEU DE PAIL - Has never won a race from twenty starts to date and although last run is encouraging can be overlooked 9. BENEVOLAT - Beaten a long way at Compiegne latest but will come on for the run. Outside chance (7) ULYSSE DES PICTONS is back on top of his game as shows his last winning effort and he might prove too good for any of today's rivals. (2) CALKI is still lightly-raced over the fences and will be interesting to follow as he has run well fresh last year. (3) AZROU D'EX is another candidate with a chance while resuming from a four months spell. (7) ULYSSE DES PICTONS - (2) CALKI - (3) AZROU D'EX - (4) CASINO DES BOIS - (1) VAN GOGH DU GRANIT

8 Race 6 1. SO FRENCH - Champion chaser in France. Returns from a 4 1/2 months break 2. VIA DOLOROSA - Has featured in some valuable races at Auteuil last year. On-form and enters the equation 3. SRELIGHONN - Group I winner over fences last year. First time against the older generation in this discipline 4. DOCTEUR DE BALLON - Smart horse over the fences but has never raced in a contest of this caliber 5. VALTOR - Experienced individual who registered a career best effort at Pau last time out. Can surprise Dual Grand-Steeple winner (1) SO FRENCH makes a much awaited return to action in the build-up to a bid to record a third victory in France's most coveted Steeple-Chase that is to be run in May. Although he has to carry an awful lot of weight the Macaire-trained gelding will be hard to oppose. (3) SRELIGHONN is a very smart horse but may lack experience over the bigger fences. (1) SO FRENCH - (3) SRELIGHONN - (4) DOCTEUR DE BALLON - (5) VALTOR

9 Race 7 1. DINDIN - First time in this division. On-form and top-rider in the irons 2. BANDIT D'AINAY - Possibly better over the fences and can be watched on return to action 3. BONJOUR BONSOIR - Resumes after nine months on the sidelines and can be watched 4. MOONLIGHT BLUE - Hard to make a case on form and can easily be passed over 5. PAGOMIX - Consistent for the most part and has a four kilos allowance today 6. MALAK EL HAWA - Did not get the best of run when third at Compiegne. Very competitive off this mark. Player 7. MISTER PAPY - Two good runs over fences this term and can be monitored back over hurdles 8. ULTRANET - Pulled-up on comeback run at Nantes. Won his last start over hurdles. Hard to rule out 9. NURMI - Effective in the claiming division but may have a bit to find in a race like this 10. BEAUMAR - Caught the eye in a big handicap chase latest. Effective over hurdles and enters the equation 11. MISTER VESPONE - Made a promising return to action in a claiming chase at Angers but things look tougher today 12. MARVELLOSO - Won two small races in row at the end of last summer but appears to have lost his way since then 13. RAISING RIVER - Has shown some ability in this discipline at the end of last year. Watch betting for guide 14. DIABOLO FOREZ - Outclassed rivals in the race of reference at Compiegne. Has a seven pounds penalty to overcome 15. LE METEQUE - Not the most consistent but capable on a good day. Fell in last two starts at Auteuil 16. L'AMI SANECHE - Hard to make a case on current form and can be overlooked 17. ANOUMA FREEDOM - Never finishes far from the action and should acquit himself well once again 18. LUNAYA - Got right back in the game when runner-up at 47/1 in the race of reference run at Compiegne. Will try to confirm

10 (1) DINDIN won easier than distance shows at Angers and is expected to come on a lot for that race. With Jonathan Plouganou in the plate he looks a sound winning prospect. (14) DIABOLO FOREZ was very impressive when winning at Compiegne ahead of many of today's rivals but is under a severe penalty today. (6) MALAK EL HAWA is back to himself. (5) PAGOMIX looks interesting off this weight. (1) DINDIN - (14) DIABOLO FOREZ - (6) MALAK EL HAWA - (5) PAGOMIX - (17) ANOUMA FREEDOM

11 Race 8 1. DAISY DE SARTI - Won well first time over hurldes at Pau. Expected to be at the premises 2. ECBATANE - Scored by 11 lengths first time over hurdles at Pau last January. Big expectation on first attempt at Auteuil 3. DIXIT DES ISSARDS - In contention for success when fell at the last on debut race at Fontainebleau last November 4. EUROPE ALLEN - Runner-up on debut last July at Clairefontaine. Finished in front of several subsequent winners on this occasion 5. EBONITE - Caught the eye when second to (2) ECBATANE at Pau last January. Place chance 6. EXPRIM - Finished third a neck behind stablemate (5) EBONITE at Pau. Has room for improvement 7. EQUATION - A winner on the flat last May at Vichy. Watch betting for more clues 8. ELLE EST DESLANDES - One place from three starts on the flat last year. First time over hurdles 9. ENERGIE DES OBEAUX - Beaten a long way on hurdling debut last summer. Hard to make a case 10. EAST OF THE VALLEY - Has demonstrated ability on the flat last year. Not one to be underrated 11. ELLE EST SACREE - Well held on debut race at the venue last September. Things can only get better 12. EN VOITURE SIMONE - Two modest runs on the flat last season. Hard to consider on first start over jumps (3) DIXIT DES ISSARDS was in contention for success when she fell at the last at Fontainebleau. The winner on that day was Maresias who has gone unbeaten in three starts since then. So the form looks solid and the Pierre Raussin-trained filly is the choice here. (4) EUROPE ALLEN (2) ECBATANE and (5) EBONITE have all shown promises and should not be far off at the finish. (3) DIXIT DES ISSARDS - (4) EUROPE ALLEN - (2) ECBATANE - (5) EBONITE

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13 LYON-PARILLY - 18th March Trainer of the day : Jean-Pierre Gauvin (201, 301, 503, 502) Jockey of the day : Maxime Guyon (104, 203, 306) Horse of the day : Sir Nonantais (703) Dark Horse : Feroe d'illiat (505) Race 1 1. FRONT PAGE - Did not show much on debut in October Rested since. Likely to improve 2. MON JULES A MOI - Promising debut when third. Could do even better this time and must be given respect 3. PARK TOWER - Fair debut on the turf. Did not repeat it on the PSF. Rested since so may need this run 4. PANAME - Good form shown in both starts. Likely to do even better this time. Big chance 5. GEORGES STAR - Started career off well but regressed. Might need this run and others are preferred 6. CASAMANCE - More needed to win but has been placed over this course and distance. Consider 7. MOUT - Showed nice promise when runner-up on debut. Looking to go one better this time 8. FAVORITA - First run for Elusive City filly out of Burford Belle. Could need the experience (2) MON JULES A MOI has shown us what he is capable of and did well on his debut when third. He is likely to do even better this time and should have a big chance. (7) MOUT ran well on her debut but is returning from a lengthy break and her fitness will be taken on trust. (4) PANAME is one to consider after two decent runs. (2) MON JULES A MOI - (7) MOUT - (4) PANAME - (1) FRONT PAGE

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15 Race 2 1. PUMP PUMP PALACE - Usually gives of his best and is likely to contest the finish once again 2. ROYAL DOLOIS - Fair recent form but last run at this track was only modest. More needed 3. ALIGNEMENT - Better this distance and should fight out the finish of this race. Go close 4. MASTER'S SPIRIT - Did not win in 2017 but was not disgraced last time out and is distance suited. Chance 5. KHEFYN - Fair recent form on the flat. Will need to do more to beat a field like this 6. MO GREEN - Returns from a break. More needed to win this race and others are preferred It is a small field but it does look a competitive race with at least four of them holding winning chances. (2) ROYAL DOLOIS does appear to have the best form and is the one to beat. Both (1) PUMP PUMP PALACE and (3) ALIGNEMENT usually give of their best and will be lively dangers. Another one that must be considered is (4) MASTER'S SPIRIT. (2) ROYAL DOLOIS - (3) ALIGNEMENT - (1) PUMP PUMP PALACE - (4) MASTER'S SPIRIT

16 Race 3 1. PASSION NONANTAISE - Good last win. Tougher task under a penalty and gives weight away to all rivals. Respect 2. ROCKDALE - Disappointing last run. Has been in good form this year and is not out of it 3. COOL - Poor recent form on the PSF. Better on the turf and could be the surprise package 4. SPEAK NOW - Unreliable but is not out of it and is capable of finishing in the places 5. MILLENIUM PARK - Only fifth in a claimer last time. Better over a shorter distance and needs to do more to win 6. VADANOR - Back on the turf. More needed to win but could pop up in the places. Place chance 7. SEE YOU SOON - A bit disappointing recently and needs to find a few lengths to win this race 8. KING DREAM - Unreliable but does have a winning chance in a race like this. Go close 9. MULTICOLOR - Poor recent form but is likely to do better on the turf. Has a place chance 10. GLOS - Modest last two runs but is distance suited and could yet play a minor role 11. KARYNIA - Much improved last run. Has won at this track nut would prefer further Although (8) KING DREAM has not been the most genuine of runners he has won twice at this track so could be the right one in this line-up. (1) PASSION NONANTAISE does give chunks of weight to her rivals and mus hold a winning chance. (6) VADANOR and (11) KARYNIA are both capable of finishing in the money in a race like this. (8) KING DREAM - (1) PASSION NONANTAISE - (6) VADANOR - (11) KARYNIA

17 Race 4 1. ASTERION - Fit and ready for this and should be in the final shake-up once again. Respect 2. LUXE VENDOME - Battling to regain best form and needs to find a few lengths to win this race 3. CAMILLA MY LOVE - Very unreliable and recent form is only modest. Needs major improvement to win 4. MARGUERITE MALPIC - Back on the turf which will help her but recent form is only modest. Might place 5. HUNDRED ACRE - Won a claimer last time. Drop in distance might not be a problem. Chance 6. BERET - Disappointing last run. Loves this track and should make a bold bid at winning 7. VIKING'S - fair recent form. More needed to win but could pop up in the places. Place chance 8. JUST YOU AND ME - Has struggled this year but drop in distance could spark some improvement 9. ZORRA CHOPE - Fit and ready for this and was not disgraced when third in latest start. Consider 10. SPLIT STEP - Battling to regain best form but a switch back to the turf could spark improvement 11. ZOR - Battling to regain best form and needs to find a few lengths to win this race It is a modest lot that goes to the post for this race. (6) BERET has done pretty well at this track and looks the one to be with. (1) ASTERION is holding his form but does give weight away to most of his rivals. (5) HUNDRED ACRE could be ready to run a better race and must be given respect. (7) VIKING'S could pop up in the places. (6) BERET - (1) ASTERION - (5) HUNDRED ACRE - (7) VIKING'S

18 Race 5 1. CALYPSO SONG - Improving and won latest start. Big chance in this line-up. Extra should suit 2. SPEEDYWELL - Surprise winner of latest start but must be given the utmost respect in this line-up 3. ONE FLY - Runner-up on debut. Looking to go one better this time. is not out of it 4. PHOTO CHOC - A bit disappointing last time and only run at this track was poor. Might place 5. FEROE D'ILLIAT - Disappointing last run. returns from a lengthy break so could need this run 6. COMPAINVILLE - Not disgraced when third in comeback run. Tries it a bit further this time 7. HAYATO - Has really been struggling this year and is very unlikely to win this race 8. DUKE WESTMINSTER - Only sixth on debut. Likely to improve and could finish in the money. Place chance 9. FLEUR DE ROMAY - Only fifth on debut. More needed to win this race but could play a minor role 10. LARME D'AMOUR - Promising fourth on debut but did not repeat it next time out. Others preferred 11. HERA OF THE GLADE - Only sixth on debut. Needs to do more than that to win this race. Could improve (1) CALYPSO SONG showed some nice ability and if fit for his comeback run he is the one to beat in this line-up. (3) ONE FLY is also returning from a break but did show promise on debut and must be considered. (2) SPEEDYWELL and (6) COMPAINVILLE look two others that are capable of finishing in the money over this distance. (1) CALYPSO SONG - (3) ONE FLY - (2) SPEEDYWELL - (6) COMPAINVILLE - (9) FLEUR DE ROMAY

19 Race 6 1. CHABALKO - has not won for some time but is doing well and should fight out the finish 2. DANS LES REGLES - Improving and won a nice race last time. looks the one to beat in this line-up 3. LUX DE LA BARRE - Won latest start but is coming off a very long lay-off so likely to need the run 4. MON GUILLAUME - Not disgraced in come back run and must be given consideration in this line-up 5. KAPKO - Probably needed come back run. Could strip fitter this time and is not out of it 6. SCOTTISH SUN - Usually gives of her best. Tries the large obstacles this time and is one to watch (2) DANS LES REGLES is improving and did well to win his latest start. This small field should suit and he should be fit enough after his break to win a race like this. (1) CHABALKO has fitness in his favour and is holding his form well. (3) LUX DE LA BARRE and (4) MON GUILLAUME may need to find a few lengths to win but could fill minor places. (2) DANS LES REGLES - (1) CHABALKO - (4) MON GUILLAUME - (3) LUX DE LA BARRE

20 Race 7 1. TOP FUN - May have just needed last run. Likely to do better and should fight out the finish 2. ANNEOT - 3. SIR NONANTAIS - Has a good record over hurdles and is clearly going to be the one to beat 4. COMTESSE GUEULATIS - Has yet to win over hurdles but was not disgraced when third in latest start. Chance 5. EMILINE - Last two wins were at this track but is returning from a lengthy break 6. DONATEUR - Has yet to show much in two starts and needs major improvement to win this race 7. POENA - Has some fair form. Tries a bit further and could earn a piece of the stake 8. DEESSE DE TOUZAINE - Two fair runs on the flat. Could do better trying hurdles for the first time (3) SIR NONANTAIS is fit and ready for this and has very good hurdles. He is also distance suited and will prove very hard to beat in this line-up. (1) TOP FUN should come on from his comeback run and could contest the finish once again. (5) EMILINE loves this course so is likely to run a lot better than her recent form suggests. (3) SIR NONANTAIS - (1) TOP FUN - (5) EMILINE - (4) COMTESSE GUEULATIS

21 Race 8 1. PERSEVERANCE - Needed comeback run. Better over hurdles and does have a winning chance 2. ROI D'OUDALLE - Improving and was not disgraced when third in latest start. Has a winning chance 3. ECRINS - Modest first two runs on the flat. likely to do better now sent hurdling. Consider 4. ELVIS D'YGRANDE - Well beaten in both runs on the flat. Could improve sent hurdling this time 5. SIMFAUST - Has won twice on the flat. Must be given some respect on hurdling debut 6. ECLAIR MAG - First run for Network gelding out of Katerinette. Bred for this and could go close 7. C'EST PAS POSSIBLE - Best run on the flat was at this track. More needed this time. Tries hurdling 8. FULL OF STAR - Improving and was not disgraced when third in latest start. Has a winning chance 9. STARACAYA - Fair flat debut and was not disgraced when fifth in latest start when trying hurdling (6) ECLAIR MAG has some nice breeding and it will not be a surprise were he to win on debut. the likely soft track should not be a problem for him. (1) PERSEVERANCE needed his last start but is capable of a lot better and must be given the utmost respect.(8) FULL OF STAR did well enough when third in her last start and has a winning chance. (6) ECLAIR MAG - (1) PERSEVERANCE - (8) FULL OF STAR - (2) ROI D'OUDALLE

22 CORDEMAIS - 18th March Trainer of the day : Yvan Gautier (511, 611, 811) Jockey of the day : Eric Raffin (108, 602, 711) Horse of the day : Droit d'auteur (602) Dark Horse : Vic du Bossis (413) Race 1 1. COCKTAIL DE VONNAS - Made no impression on only appearance under the saddle. Returns from a long absence and no realistic chance 2. CASH DE CALENDES - Disqualified on ridden debut here 12 months ago. Unraced since July and can expect to have few friends 3. DIALO DES KECHES - Tough consistent sort that finished third to (8) DU RHUM DES ILES on comeback two weeks ago. Is barefoot this time which could make all the difference 4. CESAR DES VAUCHAUX - Delicate but not without merit. Breaks in front and will have his supporters 5. CLARA CELESTE - Modest sort that occasionally springs a minor surprise but is unlikely to generate much interest here 6. CRESUS DE RANCHVAL - Useful when focused but has not been seen out since September and will need the run 7. CALIN DES MOISSONS - Respectable trotter that regularly gives his best and if applied this time could make the first five 8. DU RHUM DES ILES - Unbeaten with Raffin on his back and latterly won with ease at Challans. From the front line can repeat 9. COUCOU DE BOUERE - Unremarkable trotter that has yet to show any particular liking for the discipline and is unlikely to shake things up 10. CACHACA D'ESCURES - Has shown potential for the ridden game. Starts on the front line and with Mottier in the saddle can be assured a competitive ride 11. CALINOISE - Off the boil in recent months but has previously won over course and distance and can expect moderate support 12. CAPUCINETTE - Often indisciplined but useful on a good day. Will not be helped by the extra 25m though 13. DARLA VILI - Demonstrated very good aptitude last autumn and although unplaced in last two should not be underestimated

23 14. DJIBOUTIEN - Complicated but has ample talent. Makes just his second start back but if applied can go far 15. CHARME DU POIRIER - Respectable type that has shown decent aptitude for the discipline. Incurs the penalty but can still make his presence felt (8) DU RHUM DES ILES has yet to be beaten with Eric Raffin in the saddle and given how well the pair won at Challans earlier in the month will take all the beating from the front line. The consistent (3) DIALO DES KECHES finished third to him that day but is barefoot this time around and should make up ground. That said he may first have to see off the tricky (14) DJIBOUTIEN who would have made a big impact at Caen last time had he not lost his action. (13) DARLA VILI has hind shoes off for her return to the discipline and with application should be able to finish in the mix. (8) DU RHUM DES ILES - (14) DJIBOUTIEN - (3) DIALO DES KECHES - (13) DARLA VILI

24 Race 2 1. FALCO DE BOURGNEUF - Untried gelding that qualified nicely last autumn but faces a very stiff test first time out 2. FAYA TREVEENNE - Looked very ordinary on debut at Caen last weekend and must raise her game 3. FIXOU D'AGAY - Has made respectable progress so far. Up against better here though and unlikely to influence the result 4. FURIE DE L'ALBA - Shows promise under the saddle. Makes just her second start in this code and should not be too far off the mark 5. FRAMBOISE - In the frame in three of four to date. Left a very good impression at Pornichet early March and must not be overlooked 6. FUNKY D'ALB - Confirmed his excellent qualification by getting straight off the mark three weeks ago and is not incapable of repeating 7. FAWLEY BUISSONAY - Has done nothing but improve. Left a fine impression at Laval on recent re-entry and can expect significant support 8. FINE LAME - Won at Laval mid-february but failed to confirm when 5th over shorter here next time. Place chance at best 9. FIUMORBO - Has given a very good account in both appearances this year and looks to have the measure of the field After finishing runner-up to the good Fabulous Wood at Argentan mid-january (9) FIUMORBO went one better at Graignes three weeks ago and has every chance of doubling his money. That said the well-regarded (6) FUNKY D'ALB flew up on debut at Le Croise-Laroche late last month and should put on another good show. The promising (7) FAWLEY BUISSONAY left a very good impression on re-entry at Laval recently and should again make the frame. The useful (8) FINE LAME set her personal best here nine days ago and should not be far off the mark. (9) FIUMORBO - (6) FUNKY D'ALB - (7) FAWLEY BUISSONAY - (8) FINE LAME

25 Race 3 1. CERISE DES PRES - Solid sort when fit. Somewhat unlucky at Laval ten days ago but on good behaviour can finish close 2. CORNULIER DU TAM - Made a fine comeback at Saint-Brieuc earlier this month and with form maintained should make the most of his front-line break 3. CASH MALI - Has so far failed to recapture last autumn's form. Stays shod and others preferred 4. CHARLY DES CHAMPS - Completely out of the picture in last seven and can be written off 5. BOY D'IRAI - Moderate trotter that left a good impression at Bordeaux recently but steps up in class and will need to be at his best 6. BERENICE DU LOISIR - Last made the frame 18 months ago and will not be worrying the opposition 7. CABOTINE D'EMI - Tough type but has raced just once in past 12 months and chances limited 8. COBRA D'OSTAL - Has had nothing to say for himself since last spring and can be ruled out 9. BARRY BLACK - Completely off the boil since last summer and will have nothing to offer 10. BOHEME DE BOUERE - Sprang something of a surprise when third at Pont- Chateau late February. Incurs the penalty here but should still give a respectable account 11. CALINO BELLO - Fine trotter with an enviable strike rate. Sanctioned in last two but with stride in check will play a leading role 12. BIJOU DE CARSI - Decent sort but is shod for his second race back and unlikely to influence the outcome 13. BORA BUISSONAY - Handy dual-purpose mare but unraced since July and no threat 14. BELLO DE CELINIERE - Unraced for four months but has references in this class of race in the provinces and must be respected 15. BARON DE MAJUAG - Like a horse reborn since late January. Impressive last month at Nantes and could impose this time 16. BAMBI D'AUBRAC - Tends to show more in the claiming division these days and will not be helped by the penalty

26 The exceptional (11) CALINO BELLO left regrets at Pont-Chateau last weekend when sent off favourite but should be able to win this if he can stay in stride. Principal opposition should take the shape of the in-form (15) BARON DE MAJUAG whose recent Nantes performance did not go unnoticed. (2) CORNULIER DU TAM made a very impressive return to competition two weeks ago and from the front line will be in with a decent shout. (1) CERISE DES PRES finished third at Laval last time before being disqualified but on better behaviour should make her mark. (14) BELLO DE CELINIERE returns but is confirmed under similar conditions and should generate some interest. (11) CALINO BELLO - (15) BARON DE MAJUAG - (2) CORNULIER DU TAM - (1) CERISE DES PRES - (14) BELLO DE CELINIERE

27 Race 4 1. BALOU DU PAOU - Tends to give a good account when barefoot. Wellpositioned in front and could pick up a cheque 2. CYRUS DU POMMEREUX - Not the most reliable but pleased on penultimate start and can get a look in if he can reproduce that effort 3. VALTORING - Useful sort at a lower level. Pleased on comeback but failed to confirm next time. On the front line here though and could get a look in 4. BLACKSTORM BASLOIR - Lost his way somewhat after the summer. Has just one race in him and others preferred 5. BARDOLINO DE LEAU - Has not enjoyed the best of runs in recent months and can be passed over 6. VRAI CONSEIL - In the frame in four of his last six and if focused will not be far off the mark 7. BANANA WILD - Erratic but left quite the impression at Laval ten days ago. Is barefoot again and will not be available at 70-1 this time around 8. AMBRE CARISAIE - Faithful campaigner in both codes. Won an amateur event under harness here nine days ago and from the front line looks competitively well in 9. VRAG DINAMO - Very hard to knock in this branch of the game. Returning and incurs the penalty but not to be overlooked 10. UNIVERS D'OLIVERIE - Enjoyed a good run last autumn but has since lost his way and must reaffirm 11. VRO LEON - Can prove a handful but has taken well to his new vocation. Goes barefoot this time and on a flat track going left-handed will be in his element 12. CENORA - Delicate but has significant talent. Has nothing to prove at this level and if applied can go far 13. VIC DU BOSSIS - Seldom disappoints and currently in good shape. Has a good record at the venue and must be respected 14. VARUS DU GUINOUX - Can trot and encouraged in his last two under the saddle. On good behaviour can go closer this time 15. ADORABLE FOUTEAU - Has ability but struggling with form at present and not an obvious choice (11) VRO LEON has proved himself going left-handed on flatter surfaces and

28 although sanctioned on comeback he still caught the eye and with application can impose. He will however be up against the tricky but talented (12) CENORA who has already confirmed in better company this year. (8) AMBRE CARISAIE is well in on the front line and in current condition can put on a good show on his return to the discipline. (14) VARUS DU GUINOUX goes barefoot for the occasion and should improve on his latest fifth at Laval. (11) VRO LEON - (12) CENORA - (8) AMBRE CARISAIE - (14) VARUS DU GUINOUX

29 Race 5 1. EROS DAIRPET - Modest colt with little to show for his efforts and will struggle to make any impact 2. ENZO LA RAVELLE - Still a maiden from eight and while having reassured at Chartres two weeks ago will find the opposition considerably tougher this time 3. ETOILE TEJY - Has struggled with form so far this year and has no realistic chance 4. EMILIA STAR - Has shown a different side since going barefoot and from the front line can make the first five 5. ESHALLA - Thereabouts in three of last four. A place behind (4) EMILIA STAR last time but must still show improvement 6. EXCEPTIONAL DREAM - Showed a different side to himself when finishing second over course and distance nine days ago. On the front line again and could well impose 7. ECLAIR DU ROC - Delicate but has won every race he has finished. Has had time to freshen up and with application can play an important role 8. ECLIPSE LIGNERIE - Looked decidedly ordinary over the winter and appears to have nothing to offer 9. ECHO D'UKA - Returned to winning ways before being sent for a break but no chance on first start back 10. EL MAGNIFICO - Has done nothing of note in his past five starts and will not be easy to back 11. ERGUE GABERIC - Fine campaigner that finished second last time despite briefly losing his action but if applied can win this time 12. ETAIN DE LARCY - Undeniably capable but unplaced in three since re-entry. Will be fully fit by now though and with a top driver in charge could finish in the money (11) ERGUE GABERIC has been very hard to fault since his first steps on the track and following his fine re-entry last month looks good enough to impose this time. (6) EXCEPTIONAL DREAM is 25m better off here and after putting in an excellent performance over course and distance recently looks to have a good opportunity to open his account. The delicate (NP) ECLAIR DU ROC has won every race in which he was not sanctioned and with application should be able to put up some opposition. On paper (12) ETAIN DE LARCY may not be an obvious choice but being driven by Monclin could make all the difference.

30 (11) ERGUE GABERIC - (6) EXCEPTIONAL DREAM - (12) ETAIN DE LARCY

31 Race 6 1. DREAM DU PARC - Fine trotter that went into his layoff with a brace of victories but unseen for six months and others preferred 2. DROIT D'AUTEUR - Has been on cracking form in recent months. Won comfortably over course and distance earlier in the month and with hind shoes off this time will take some beating 3. DUSTY DE GUEZ - Useful when applied but sanctioned in four of last five and will not be easy to trust 4. DANAOS - Found his way again after a trio of clinkers. Comes here on a hattrick and should again figure prominently 5. DANUBE MESLOIS - Superb since returning to racing unshod behind. On a four-timer and although stepping up in class should still give a competitive account 6. DIANA TEJY - Kicked her career off well but has done nothing noteworthy for some time and can be ruled out 7. DEAL DE CAHOT - Pleased last spring before losing his way and no chance on first start back 8. DONETTE BRAY - Pleased in her last two before the spell. Comes here fresh and will generate some interest 9. DUC DE LAISSARD - Bridesmaid in three of last four and in current condition will have his chances 10. DALIE DU CITRUS - Put in two good efforts since the break. Will appreciate these conditions and looks to have a good hand to play 11. DIEGO VERNOIS - Reliable type for the most part. Finished a place behind (2) DROIT D'AUTEUR last time out and can give him a run for his money 12. DIAMANT DE MONCHEL - Moderate trotter that went into his break on a low note and will have nothing to offer 13. DIVA DU PONT - Handy mare when applied. Unlucky at Enghien last time but still has more to find 14. DIVIN D'AXEL - Showed improvement at Laval earlier this month. Does not give away distance this time and will be one to note (2) DROIT D'AUTEUR has been a model of consistency for the past three months and recently won with authority over course and distance. He has hind shoes off for the first time and should wrap this up. There is a case to be made

32 though for (11) DIEGO VERNOIS who has not stepped a foot wrong under harness this season. (4) DANAOS has found his compass again and while unlikely to pull off the hat-trick can still give this a good go. (10) DALIE DU CITRUS drops marginally in class and her latest effort augurs well for her chances. (2) DROIT D'AUTEUR - (11) DIEGO VERNOIS - (4) DANAOS - (10) DALIE DU CITRUS

33 Race 7 1. ANNINA - Moderate type that has not been seen out since late summer and not a priority 2. CLASSICO DES BOIS - Useful when fully fit but just one race under his belt this term and no threat 3. BRASILIA DU PERCHE - Not much to like on her formsheet of late but races unshod all four this time and will have her supporters 4. CELEBRE RAUDIERE - Returns to a more suitable surface in the provinces and can get a look in 5. CITAN DU SOUND - Remarkably consistent over past three months and latterly third in a similar event here. Breaks from the front again and can play a leading role 6. VINCI DU MACHEREL - Making progress before failing to fire at Saumur last weekend. Front shoes off this time and worth a second look 7. BE CASH MONEY - Has been racing respectably of late and while up against better here should still give an honourable account 8. CLIO DE LA NOEMIE - Rarely far from the action when barefoot and after two prep runs looks competitively well in 9. BOLIDE DE GIVRY - Lost his way during the summer and latest form does nothing to inspire confidence 10. BRISE DU COUDOU - Made progress behind (15) ALARO at Laval but deserted by Raffin and the handicap will do her no favours 11. BORCINA DE VIETTE - Good class of mare and proven in better company. Can prove tricky but Raffin in charge and can impose 12. BELPHEGOR DU PAJ - Blows hot and cold but has hind shoes off for the occasion and can go close 13. AU DELA DE BOUERE - Showed marked improvement at Pornichet two weeks ago and in similar form will have a part to play 14. VELOCE DU LAYON - Handy sort that finished 5th to (13) AU DELA DE BOUERE earlier in the month and will need to find more 15. ALARO - Got back in the game at Laval ten days ago and although on the back line this time could still make the first five 16. ALREADY WIC - Has placed just once in the past 19 months and can be ruled out 17. BANCO DES AMAZONES - Handy on a good day but is expected to still be a bit rusty and others preferred

34 18. BEBERT EXPRESS - Regularly a question of all or nothing but unraced since November and will need the outing Although sometimes indisciplined (11) BORCINA DE VIETTE has form at a significantly better level and with Eric Raffin at the helm should be able to return to winning ways. (5) CITAN DU SOUND starts with a 25m advantage and given present form and his recent performance over course and distance looks dangerous. (12) BELPHEGOR DU PAJ has hind shoes off for the occasion and with a clear run can make the frame this time. (13) AU DELA DE BOUERE got back in the game at Pornichet a fortnight ago and will have his chances. (8) CLIO DE LA NOEMIE races barefoot here and cannot be discounted. (11) BORCINA DE VIETTE - (5) CITAN DU SOUND - (12) BELPHEGOR DU PAJ - (13) AU DELA DE BOUERE - (8) CLIO DE LA NOEMIE

35 Race 8 1. DATALIE DU DERBY - Very consistent for the most part and made a superb re-entry but up against better here and unlikely to shake things up 2. DOLLAR DU PLAIN - Went into his break on a high note but has not been seen out since 3. DHAYA KAJIPE - Handy type in the provinces but unraced since September and others preferred 4. DZIGANE DU GUERET - Unremarkable mare making just her second start of the season and is unlikely to make any impact 5. DOLCE AMERICANA - Struck at Le Croise-Laroche first time back and must be afforded respect 6. DALTON DU PONT - Has failed to get into his stride in five starts this year and will have few takers 7. DECLIC CHALEONNAIS - One of the more consistent elements here. Is in his category and breaking in front will do his chances no harm 8. DIRAE AVIS - Showed good improvement at Chartres two weeks ago. Hind shoes off this time and could get a look in 9. DIVA DU BOLY - Has enjoyed a very good run since early winter. With front shoes off and Raffin in the wagon can finish in the mix 10. DEAL PIYA GEDE - Unshod behind for his first start of the season and should not be entirely ignored 11. DUC LEBEL - Seldom far from the action when he can maintain stride and in this company looks a player 12. DOMENICO - In superb shape since returning to competition and if applied could open his 2018 account 13. DEMON DU MEDOC - Moderate type but unplaced in both this year and from the second line will have his work cut out 14. DUMPING DU PARC - Reassured connections with a fine effort late last month and with hind shoes off this time should take advantage of his excellent entry After some conditioning runs (14) DUMPING DU PARC got back down to business at Pont-Chateau last month and with hind shoes off this time looks the pick of the bunch. Barring a brace of sanctions (12) DOMENICO has been flying of late and could yet improve on his recent Laval second. (11) DUC LEBEL

36 regularly shows a lack of discipline but is otherwise very regular and present form is not in doubt. (7) DECLIC CHALEONNAIS benefits from a 25m advantage and after two solid return performances must be respected. (14) DUMPING DU PARC - (12) DOMENICO - (11) DUC LEBEL - (7) DECLIC CHALEONNAIS

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