PONTCHATEAU - 27th February

Transcription

1 PONTCHATEAU - 27th February Trainer of the day : Franck Anne (107, 416, 604, 911) Driver of the day : Franck Anne (107, 416, 604, 911) Horse of the day : Eclat de Rep (605) Dark Horse : Best of Darling (311) Race 1 1. FREEDOM DU BOULAY - Disqualified in both outings to date - most recently when still in contention on the last turn at Enghien in October 2. FONDZHO CUT - Well beaten or disqualified in all four races to date. Eighth of 12 in a class C at Vincennes latest 3. FIGARO PLANCHETTE - Third of 14 at this track on February 18 on third racecourse appearance 4. FIREBALL DU KASTEL - Third at La Capelle on debut. Fourth of 12 at Rouen- Mauquenchy next time 5. FANTASTIC TRIP - Runner-up in a 12-runner contest at 82/1 at Cherbourg on debut earlier this month

2 6. FARMER D'EOLE - To the rear in both outings so far under the saddle. First run in harness 7. FAKIM DE GUERON - Improving with each run. Recorded first podium when third of 14 at Laval last week 8. FRIBOURG - Left a good impression when runner-up of 10 at Nantes when a 42/1-shot on February FLUO - Scored at Graignes on debut in November. Disqualified in both runs this month Summary On the basis of his three runs so far (7) FAKIM DE GUERON looks to be a progressive sort who should be in the firing line at the business end of the opener. (3) FIGARO PLANCHETTE - who was third at this track last week - and recent Nantes-second (8) FRIBOURG are the main dangers along with (5) FANTASTIC TRIP who was runner-up at Cherbourg on debut. Selections (7) FAKIM DE GUERON - (3) FIGARO PLANCHETTE - (8) FRIBOURG - (5) FANTASTIC TRIP

3 Race 2 1. ELTON DES TOUCHES - No worthwhile form in two outings in harness. First run under the saddle 2. EARLY DE CAHOT - Sixth of 16 to (6) EDOUARD here on January 15. Disqualified three times since 3. ELVIRA DES KECHES - Promising third of 16 on first run at Argentan on January 14 when fancied 4. ESTERELLA D'IDEF - Harness winner in October. Disqualified in only previous race under the saddle in November 5. EQUINOXE STED - Third at Enghien and Vincennes last summer. Second run back from a four-month break 6. EDOUARD - Runner-up at this venue last month and opened account in a 14- runner heat at Graignes on February ELLA DE ZIETTE - Two fourth places - including latest in race won by (6) EDOUARD - from four ridden races 8. EAU DE FEU - Won a class F at Cabourg on ridden debut at the end of December. Eighth of 16 in a class E at Vincennes next time 9. EMOTION VENDEENNE - Four placings from 15 races in harness. First run since December 22 on ridden debut 10. ETINCELLE BUCH - Several promising runs - three thirds and two fourths - over the last couple of months 11. EDEN JOSSELYN - Recorded first podium finish under the saddle when third of 16 at Enghien last week Summary The Marc Sassier-trained (6) EDOUARD - who was second at this track last month - opened his account at Graignes last time and can double up. (3) ELVIRA DES KECHES showed promise on debut and is open to more improvement. The erratic (11) EDEN JOSSELYN can make the frame if reproducing his third at Enghien last week. Selections (6) EDOUARD - (3) ELVIRA DES KECHES - (11) EDEN JOSSELYN - (5) EQUINOXE STED

4 Race 3 1. BOHEME DE BOUERE - Won at Cherbourg in August and at Blain-Bouvron- Le Gavre the following month. Not seen since December 4 2. BONA FIDE - Ended a sequence of disqualifications when running out a convincing winner at Laval last week 3. BALZAC - Prone to disqualificstion but got it right last time out in a 14-runner races at Challans 4. ATHOS DE LA CROU - Third of 14 in an amateur drivers' race at Agen-Le Passage 10 days ago 5. ATOUT PERCERIE - Only podium last year came in an amateurs' event. Fifth of 15 at Rouen-Mauquenchy last week 6. BARBIBUL - Unbeaten in seven races since October First outing for 10 months 7. BAHIA DE BOUGY - Two wins in Not a factor latest when 16th of 18 at Angers on February 9 8. BIJOU DE CARSI - In the frame twice last summer. Second run back from a four-month absence 9. BANDIT CHARENTAIS - Won at Nantes last May. Fourth of 14 at the same venue latest on December BADOU - A win and four places last summer. Returms to action after three months off 11. BEST OF DARLING - Scored at La Capelle in October. Runner-up at Cagnes-sur-Mer in December. Seventh of 17 at the same track in a class B last month 12. BELLO DE CELINIERE - Some respectable efforts since winning at Fougeres last May. First run since November 13. ALIENOR DE ROCHE - Won an amateurs' race at Vire in September but not seen since mid-october 14. BRIO DE TILLARD - Victorious three times last year under the saddle. Sixth of 14 in harness on February 11 on first run since October Summary Both (2) BONA FIDE and (3) BALZAC arrive on the back of decent wins following on from some disqualifications. The former is just preferred however it may come down to which can keep stride under pressure. (6) BARBIBUL is a fascinating contender if anywhere near fit - he hasn't been seen since April where he

5 extended his winning sequence to seven at Chatelaillon-La Rochelle. Selections (2) BONA FIDE - (3) BALZAC - (6) BARBIBUL - (9) BANDIT CHARENTAIS

6 Race 4 1. BELLE DU MATIN - Won on only previous visit to this track in April Sixth of 17 behind runner-up (2) CHISTERA at Maure-de-Bretagne latest 2. CHISTERA - A win and three places in Second of 17 at Maure-de- Bretagne on February BISCUIT - Hasn't won since Two places last term. 11th of 17 at Vincennes latest 4. ARTISTE DE GINAI - Scored at Toulouse 12 months ago. Runner-up of 18 at Angers on February AMAYA DJOB - Third in a claimer at Cagnes-sur-Mer on February 6. 11th of 18 at Bordeaux-Le Bouscat a fortnight later 6. AND ZERO DIX - In the frame three times last term (twice in harness - once under the saddle). Third run back from two months off 7. COMETE SOMOLLI - Not on the podoium since scoring at Vincennes in April. To the rear in a class C Quinte at the same venue last time out 8. AMADEUS WOLF - Won at Lignieres in October. Unplaced at Maure-de- Bretagne latest with shoes on. Barefoot this time 9. ACCORD DE CRENNES - Five victories last term. Third of 18 to (11) VERDI DE TILLARD at Chateaubriant latest 10. UTELO DE CARENTONE - Third in a Quinte 13 month ago but off the boil since. Ninth of 16 in a claimer last week 11. VERDI DE TILLARD - Scored at Chateaubriant on February 5. Faded in the closing stages of a Quinte at Vincennes two weeks later 12. VOLCAN DU GARABIN - Won at Saint-Brieuc in November and runner-up at Chartres next time. 10th of 18 at Vincennes on February VICOMTE D'HAVANE - Course winner in harness in December. Disqualified last twice in ridden races 14. ATOUT DE KACY - Best recent form has come under the saddle but did win in harness at Graignes in August 15. VERSO DE CRENNES - Fourth to (13) VICOMTE D'HAVANE at this track in December. Didn't get a clear run at Vincennes latest 16. AMOUR DU LOUP - Six wins in harness last season and returns to that discipline after a couple of outings under the saddle 17. ATOLL DANOVER - Runnr-up five times last term. First outing since disqualified at Nantes on October VERSO DU JAAR - Some decent efforts in both disciplines at Vincennes

7 recently. Eric Raffin booked Summary Auteuil's loss is Pontchateau's gain with the Quinte being run here as Moscow temperatures hit Paris. An ultra-competitive heat could go the way of Chateaubriant-winner (11) VERDI DE TILLARD who is taken to go better on this track than when fading at Vincennes last time. (16) AMOUR DU LOUP returns to what is probably his best discipline and rates as a big danger along with (9) ACCORD DE CRENNES - who scored five times last term - and Maure-de- Bretagne runner-up (2) CHISTERA. Selections (11) VERDI DE TILLARD - (16) AMOUR DU LOUP - (9) ACCORD DE CRENNES - (2) CHISTERA - (13) VICOMTE D'HAVANE

8 Race 5 1. BOUBA SNOB - Two places from 17 outings under the saddle. Eighth of 15 at Chateaubriant earlier this month 2. BLAS DE BOUSSIERES - Improving bit by bit in last four ridden races. Fourth of 20 at Argentan latest 3. BOBSILURE - Victorious at Le Mont-Saint-Michel in October and at Bordeaux- Le Bouscat in December. Third at Saint-Galmier in harness 10 days ago 4. ARCADE DES GLENAN - Runner-up at Vannes last May but still a maiden after 56 races in both spheres 5. BILOU DU TAJ - Best form for 11 months when runner-up of 14 in a class C at Angers on February CLASSICA MUSICA - Placed four times but yet to win after 20 ridden races. To the rear in latest effort in this sphere at Vincennes earlier this month 7. BRABANT DE BULIERE - Fourth twice but not on the podium after eight outings in ridden races 8. BOLIVAR JENILOU - Harness winner at Hyeres last May but disqualified more often then not since 9. ARISTA DE MYE - Scored at Rouen-Mauquenchy in December. Returns to a ridden race after two outings in harness 10. BALIKA PAGUERIE - Two wins in harness last year. Third at Rouen- Mauquenchy under the saddle in December 11. BILL - Had winning form before missing all of Hasn't shown anything worthwhile since returning 12. VALTORING - Obliged at Chateauroux in September. Third of 12 at Vire last week. Starts from 25m line 13. APHARENA DU KISS - Runner-up at Nantes on January 11 but has been disqualified twice subsequently 14. VICK DE LA NADE - Not on the podium since November Fourth of 18 at Angers on February AZROU LEMAN - Victorious at Cordemais last month. Fourth of 17 in a class E at Laval last week 16. ARAMIS DE CHENU - Third of 19 at Nantes on January 28 when 263/1. Broke stride early on next time 17. CREPUSCULE FORGAN - Third of 11 in a class D at Vincennes in most recent ridden race. Disqualified in harness latest

9 Summary Vincennes-third (17) CREPUSCULE FORGAN reverts to a ridden race - after an outing in harness last time - and has a leading chance of lifting this prize. Eric Raffin get the leg up on (16) ARAMIS DE CHENU whose form at Nantes would give him a shout. Rouen-Mauquenchy winner (9) ARISTA DE MYE returns to this discipline with ambition. Selections (17) CREPUSCULE FORGAN - (16) ARAMIS DE CHENU - (9) ARISTA DE MYE - (5) BILOU DU TAJ - (6) CLASSICA MUSICA

10 Race 6 1. EVEREST UP - Yet to make an impression in six races to date. Not seen since eighth of 12 at Gournay-en-Bray in September 2. EXCES DE BLARY - Off the mark at the 11th attempt when scoring at 4/1 at this track last week 3. ELAN BAROQUE - Broke duck at Nantes last month. Third to (4) EMISSORO next time. Second of 15 latest 4. EMISSORO - Three wins from nine races. Third of 14 at Saint-Brieuc latest when barefoot. Starts from 25m line and shoes on this time 5. ECLAT DE REP - Unbeaten after three races. Not seen since landing the spoils at Caen on October 7 6. ECHO DE CHANLECY - Victorious at Meslay-du-Maine last May. Third of eight at Nantes latest on November ECLAIR DE CERIZE - Won first two races and then third at Les Sablesd'Olonne at the start of August. Not seen since later that month 8. ECLIPSE LIGNERIE - Successful at Cabourg in October. Tried to make all before fading to eighth of 11 at Vincennes on January ECHO D'UKA - Added to victory at Savenay in June when winning at Rouen- Mauquenchy in mid-september. Not seen since 10. ERGUE GABERIC - On a hattrick after wins at Laval in September and at Nantes last month 11. EZRA DE LIGNY - Third at Vincennes on February 7. Broke stride at the start a week later 12. ELSA RUSH - Two wins last year. Not disgraced when dropping back to seventh of 15 at Vincennes latest Summary The unbeaten (5) ECLAT DE REP returns to action after a break and can take the measure of (2) EXCES DE BLARY - who was breaking his duck when winning at this track last week. (4) EMISSORO - who boasts three victories from nine races - should figure in the frame at least. The hattrick-seeking (10) ERGUE GABERIC is next best. Selections (5) ECLAT DE REP - (2) EXCES DE BLARY - (4) EMISSORO - (10) ERGUE

11 GABERIC

12 Race 7 1. DANSEUR D'AIROU - Two places from 14 races - most recently when third under the saddle at Saint-Brieuc on February DUC DE TYROLE - Runner-up at Cordemais in December. Disqualified at Challans latest on February DAHLIA BLANC - Scored at Vire and third at Argentan in December. Not disgraced when eighth of 16 at Chateaubriant latest 4. DAKOTA DU POTO - Successful at Challans 12 months ago and at Biarritz in June. Second run back from a two-month break 5. DUNTY DES LANDES - Placed three times last backend. Reverts from a ridden race and barefoot this time 6. DJANGO BELLO - Won at Les Sables-d'Olonne in August and fourth twice in November. Disqualified last three races - most recently when still in with a chance 7. DIGITAL SEVEN - Third at Le Mans in December and second at Cordemais next time. Fully unshod first time 8. DOQUI - In the placings six times from 14 races but yet to win. Second at Angers in December when last running fully shod 9. DIAMANT DES LANDES - Successful at Caen in October. Placed twice since but has broken stride on a regular basis 10. DANAOS DU BOUILLON - Victorious at Laval in October. Back to form when second of 12 at Machecoul last week 11. DEAL DE CAHOT - Sole win from 28 races came at Les Sables-d'Olonne in July To the rear at Vincennes latest. Starts from 25m line 12. DAIQUIRI - A win and four podiums in the first hlaf of Not on the podium since 13. DREAM DE MORGANE - Better under the saddle. Not in the frame in harness since December 2016 Summary If (6) DJANGO BELLO can keep within the rules then he has the ability to take this. However it is a big 'if' as he's been sanctioned in all three of his latest races. (3) DAHLIA BLANC is probably the one who would benefit if the selection's fragility comes into play. (9) DIAMANT DES LANDES is another erratic sort but at his best could make the frame.

13 Selections (6) DJANGO BELLO - (3) DAHLIA BLANC - (9) DIAMANT DES LANDES - (5) DUNTY DES LANDES

14 Race 8 1. DOMINO DE BAS - 21 races without a win. Third at Caen in October. Fifth of 13 at Challans latest 2. DJANGO RUDELANDE - Runner-up twice in August but disqualified six times in a row subsequently 3. DIEGO DE KERBIGUET - Runner-up three times in July. First appearance since the opening day of September 4. DIEGO DE LAURIERE - A win and three places in the first six months of th of 12 at Machecoul last week 5. DROP GOAL - Two victories in the summer. Fourth of 13 at Machecoul latest on first run for four months 6. DESTIN DE L'AUBE - Obliged at Maure-de-Bretagne in November. 11th of 16 at Nantes next time when favourite 7. DIKING DU BREUCQ - Four places last term culminating in a second at Rouen-Mauquenchy in November. Not seen since sixth of 16 at Meslay-du-Maine in December 8. DIX DES RACQUES - Both career wins came in April Second run back from 10 months off 9. DANAOS - Scored at Nantes in December. Has found it harder since. Eric Raffin booked this time 10. DARAGHIU JEEP - In decent nick in ridden races this year. Harness winner at Saumur 11 months ago 11. DOFF JIM - Won at Laval in May and at Saint-Jean-de-Monts in July. Starts from 25m line on first start since September 12. DIAZO - Fourth at Cordemais on January 7. Sixth of 11 in a better race at Vincennes next time 13. DUMPING DU PARC - Placed twice after winning at Pornichet-La Baule in July. 10th of 17 at Angers latest Summary (12) DIAZO was fourth at Cordemais on January 9 - beating two of these - before struggling in a better contest at Vincennes. Back at this level he should go close. (9) DANAOS - who won at Nantes in December will be assisted by Eric Raffin this time. Maure-de-Bretagne winner (6) DESTIN DE L'AUBE is bidding to bounce back after disappointing last time.

15 Selections (12) DIAZO - (9) DANAOS - (6) DESTIN DE L'AUBE - (7) DIKING DU BREUCQ

16 Race 9 1. DARLIE DE TINAL - Broke duck at Nuille-sur-Vicoin in October. Seventh of 17 at this venue latest on January DETALES - Placed three times in May/June last year. Seventh of 14 at Saint- Brieuc last time 3. DOUDOUNE - Third three times since opening account at Gournay-en-Bray at the beginning of June 4. DEAR LOVELY GIRL - Runner-up twice last term and at Graignes 10 days ago but still to win after 23 races 5. DEDICACE DE CHENU - Two wins in the early part of last year and fourth two times in the autumn. Prone to breaking stride 6. DIPLOMATIE - Both career wins came in Sixth of 13 to (11) DESIRA SWIFT at Laval latest 7. DOUCE DU LUPIN - Victorious at Nantes and Graignes in January and February last year. First run since October 8. DIVA DE FROMENTEL - Second at Cabourg in November and at Angers in December but hasn't visited the top step of the podium after 46 races 9. DIVA DU BOLY - Added to win at Nantes in December when obliging at this track on January DELIGHT EXTREME - In the frame six times since opening account at Gabarret in July. Fourth of 15 at Nantes last week 11. DESIRA SWIFT - Made it three out of three from scratch this year at Laval last week. Has to start from the 25m line this time 12. DIVA DU CHERISAY - A win and two places in the summer but hasn't figured in three runs this term 13. DEESSE CARISAIE - Nice winner at Cordemais on January 7. Failed in a more valuable race at Vincennes next time Summary (13) DEESSE CARISAIE can send punters home happy in the last. The daughter of Flash de Cosse finished to good effect at Cordemais when winning on January 7 before biting off more than she could chew in Paris 11 days later. (11) DESIRA SWIFT - who is on a four-timer - should figure but has to start from the 25m line this time. Course-winner (9) DIVA DU BOLY also has claims. Selections

17 (13) DEESSE CARISAIE - (11) DESIRA SWIFT - (9) DIVA DU BOLY - (10) DELIGHT EXTREME

18 CAGNES-SUR-MER - 27th February Trainer of the day : Yannick-Alain Briand (304, 408, 602, 711) Driver of the day : Christophe Martens (511, 702) Horse of the day : Brave Atout (602) Dark Horse : Viking d'orion (104) Race 1 1. BACCARAT DE NIRO - Good recent form. Ships a long way for this but steps up in grade 2. VELIN - Has never made the frame in three starts at the venue and is unlikely to change this figure 3. BAMAKO DE LA GAZO - Solid effort when runner-up in a Quinte over track & trip on penultimate start. All shoes come off again today 4. VIKING D'ORION - Going through a rough patch but has ability and can surprise with shoes off today 5. AZELIE DE NEUVY - Modest recent form but is barefoot for the first time in 2 years. Best to monitor 6. VOICI DE LAHAYE - Very productive earlier in the year but has since lost his way and must reaffirm 7. BALOU D'ANGIS - Sound winner over course and distance last time out. Things look tougher this time but cannot be ruled out 8. AUTEUR COMPOSITEUR - Has shown good recent form and is going barefoot this time round. Player 9. VERJUS - Much preferred under the saddle at present and many others make more appeal 10. ARUNA DES JACQUETS - Hasn't run for three months at present and is likely to need the race 11. VALLEE DE BANNES - Has a poor strike rate over course and distance. Modest recent form and best to look elsewhere 12. BEBETO - Solid winning effort under the saddle last time out and switches back to harness with claims 13. A QUATRE AMIS - Put on a good show at Vivaux late last month and in similar form can again make his presence felt 14. AZALEE D'AZUR - Impressive winner over course and distance last time out.

19 Expected to follow up 15. ARMANY D'HERMES - Poor recent form is probably reflective of his chances. Others preferred Summary (8) AUTEUR COMPOSITEUR has long been aimed at this race. He seldom runs without his shoes but has them all off today and that is a sign of extreme confidence from his connections. (14) AZALEE D'AZUR has a very good turn of foot and is course suited. She could give a bit to do to the selection. Unshod on all four for the first time of his career (4) VIKING D'ORION has to be respected. Selections (8) AUTEUR COMPOSITEUR - (14) AZALEE D'AZUR - (4) VIKING D'ORION - (3) BAMAKO DE LA GAZO

20 Race 2 1. CORAIL MONTAVAL - Returns from a 261 days absence and is unlikely to be ready. Best to watch 2. CADUMROC - Tends to run well over this course & distance but steps up in grade and chances are limited 3. DA VINCI BOND - Appears to have lost his way recently. Unlikely to pose a threat as others make more appeal 4. CRAZY CRISCANI - Sound winner of a class E over track & trip on 10 January. Has subsequently shown his limits in this division 5. CLEMENCE D'EM - Enjoyed a fruitful 2017 season before ending the year on a low note. Likely to need the race 6. CARIOCA D'ORGERES - Has ample ability but prone to stride issues. Look elsewhere 7. CAMPO JOSSELYN - Moderate type that blows hot and cold and although without shoes on this time will have little to offer 8. DARWIN MAZA - Boasts a sound chrono of 1'15" over course & distance. Has to be respected 9. CYRANO DU CHATELET - Undeniably capable but regularly shows a lack of discipline and others are preferred 10. CHIVAS DU PLESSIS - Finished fourth in a good race last time out and has every chance on the back of this effort 11. CHOIX DES ARMES - Has long been aimed at this race. Expected to leave behind his recent below-par performances 12. CASINO D'OURVILLE - Well-entered and has shown progress in his last start. Has to be considered Summary (11) CHOIX DES ARMES had a good prep-race at the venue last time out over a shorter distance. Without shoes on today he is expected to run a big race. (8) DARWIN MAZA has shown good recent form and can pose a big threat to the selection. (10) CHIVAS DU PLESSIS and (12) CASINO D'OURVILLE are two smart horses that are closely matched. Selections (11) CHOIX DES ARMES - (8) DARWIN MAZA - (10) CHIVAS DU PLESSIS -

21 (12) CASINO D'OURVILLE

22 Race 3 1. ESTERO - Course and distance winner. Prone to stride issues but very capable on a good day 2. EVASONN - Not sighted on comeback run three weeks ago but is expected to be a lot fitter this time round 3. ETERNAL WOOD - Surprised when runner-up at 19/1 at the venue on 12 February. Has obvious claims on the back of this performance 4. EDEN DE THYL - Has a record of 1'15"3 over course & distance. As good as ever and must be hugely respected 5. EHJOE DE TILOU - Has been knocking in recent starts at the venue and enters the equation 6. ETNA POLE - Down the field on both starts since the turn of the year. Vast improvement needed 7. EVOREV - Did not go unnoticed at Enghien despite sanction and could be the surprise package 8. EMPEREUR DAIRPET - Has demonstrated ability last year but returns from a three months spell and is unlikely to be ready 9. EXOTIC JIEL - Has never made the frame in three starts at the venue and others make more appeal 10. ELVIS DES PIGNES - Has failed to make the frame in last ten starts and is unlikely to trouble the judge 11. EPSON DU GERS - Lightly-raced. Won well over track & trip last time out and must be considered Summary (4) EDEN DE THYL caught the eye in his last start at Marseille. He runs barefoot today and jumps off the best draw behind the car-start so gets a legitimate vote of confidence to record another victory. (1) ESTERO loves this course & distance and can reaffirm after his recent disqualification. (11) EPSON DU GERS won well over track and trip last time but has a bad draw to overcome today. Selections (4) EDEN DE THYL - (1) ESTERO - (11) EPSON DU GERS - (3) ETERNAL WOOD

23 Race 4 1. VOLNICO LA VALLEE - Equally good in both spheres. Modest under harness recently but can pop back in 2. PERFECT POWER - Disqualified on both starts in this discipline and is unlikely to attract much support 3. UNIQUE D'HUON - Made a winning return to this discipline at Saint-Galmier at the end of January. Expected to follow up 4. VIKING LUDOIS - Poor recent form is probably reflective of his chances. Others make more appeal 5. VARCOROSO - One modest effort in this discipline since July 2015 but onform and can surprise 6. AIR DE MARNE - Good recent form under harness and looks interesting back under the saddle 7. CREATURE CASTELETS - Two solid efforts in this discipline thus far and must be respected 8. BAYERN - Hardy sort that has taken well to this code. Should be ready to give a good account despite returning from a spell 9. ARLEQUINE D'EM - Has lost his way since the autumn and needs to reaffirm at present 10. ORION TILLY - Has done little to impress since racing on french soil. Hard to like 11. PACO RABANNE - Not sighted on comeback run at the venue at the beginning of the month but fine horse and cannot be ignored 12. VELVET UNDERGROUND - Good last two runs in this code and cannot be excluded of the equation 13. UPPERCUT DU BANNEY - Obvious lack of consistency but is confirmed in this discipline and can pop-up 14. ULK DU HAUTY - Has not once disappointed under the saddle at Cagnes. Benefits from an excellent entry and must be respected 15. AURORE DE MAEL - Course winner at the start of January but has posted two modest efforts since then 16. VALDERIC - Admirable veteran when applied and could find the frame once more Summary

24 (8) BAYERN has not raced form some times but he is barefoot and must be ready to go. He is expected to go close. (4) VIKING LUDOIS had a good preprace for this last Friday night and must be closely monitored. (3) UNIQUE D'HUON outclassed rivals in her last winning effort at Saint-Galmier and must be hugely respected. Selections (8) BAYERN - (7) CREATURE CASTELETS - (3) UNIQUE D'HUON - (5) VARCOROSO - (15) AURORE DE MAEL

25 Race 5 1. DOMINO DE LA CROIX - Newcomer aged five who is unlikely to make an impact. Best to ignore 2. CAESARIA D'ELA - Erratic mare. Can find the frame if reproducing her best but is unreliable 3. DIVONNE - Has not done anything noteworthy since July last year and cannot be worth much consideration 4. CYANE DE FAVEROL - Won a couple of times last year but has only been modest recently. More needed to win 5. CACHEMIRE BOND - Disqualified on comeback run and needs to show vast improvement to win 6. DESTRIER ATOUT - Good effort on penultimate start in this division and over course and distance. Player 7. COQUIN DU HOULEY - Useful on both codes but has not run for two months at present and likely to need the race 8. DELICIOUS CHARM - Has gone out of his way since last September and is unlikely to shake things up 9. CHURROS - Last seen in the frame in November 2016 and recent form is reflective of his chances 10. CEYRA DE BELLOUET - Is confirmed under these conditions. Well-entered on the front row and can bounce back 11. DERRICK DE NGANDA - Sound winner of the race of reference on 21 January and should go close once again 12. CAID DESTIN - Consistent for the most part since last summer and is likely to give it a good go once again 13. DREAM OF JOB - Has registered two places over course and distance in claimers thus far and enters the equation 14. CYRANO D'IDOLE - Capable sort when applied and cannot be excluded of the equation 15. CRUNCH DES BROUETS - Competitive in this class of event but will need a clear run to make the frame Summary (11) DERRICK DE NGANDA won well ahead of (13) DREAM OF JOB and (6) DESTRIER ATOUT on 21 January over course and distance. He did not have the best of trip on this occasion and is expected to wrap this one up too. (13)

26 DREAM OF JOB has a 25m initial handicap today and this will only make easier for the selection. (12) CAID DESTIN is a capable and reliable horse in this division and must be on the shortlist. Selections (11) DERRICK DE NGANDA - (13) DREAM OF JOB - (6) DESTRIER ATOUT - (12) CAID DESTIN

27 Race 6 1. VOLNAY D'AUBRAC - Last seen in the frame in June 2016 and can confidently be passed over 2. BRAVE ATOUT - Boasts a sound record over course and distance. Got back in the game last time and is expected to confirm 3. ANTI DOCTOR - Has shown progress on his second start back from a spell and is definitely worth some consideration 4. BEST OF CHANLECY - Capable and versatile but inconsistent. Can stake a claim if reproducing best form 5. AMIGO KUKY - Dependability not his strong suit. Has not run for some time and is unlikely to be on top of his game 6. ALERION - Capable of earning on best form though recent efforts inspire little confidence 7. ALLEZ BLUE - Found form and consistency towards the end of last year. Eachway chance 8. VITO DE CORNEVILLE - Modest recent form and poor draw on the outside. all shoes come off though 9. BIEN ALLER - Best to forget last run. Is distance-suited and enters the equation despite poor draw on second row 10. ARTISTE - Current form inspires little confidence. Unlikely to pose a threat here 11. ADAGIO D'HERFRAIE - Would have earning potential if reproducing best form but is prone to breaking stride 12. BEST JENILOU - Has enjoyed a rebirth since the end of last year and can be included in calculations 13. BINGO - Makes his return to action following a three months spell. Best to be watched 14. BOREADY - Four modest runs at the venue thus far. Off since the end of November and might need the run 15. CARLOS MONDO SY - Modest recent form and needs to make vast improvement to be in the frame 16. AIGLE DE LA VALLEE - A good third on his sole start over course and distance. Poor draw and others make more appeal Summary

28 There is a lot to like about (2) BRAVE ATOUT in this line-up. He boasts a solid record over course and distance has a good draw gets on well with partner christopher Lefauvre and runs barefoot. He will be retained ahead of (7) ALLEZ BLUE whose last run is excellent and will be without shoes this time round. Others candidates of interest are by order of preference (3) ANTI DOCTOR (9) BIEN ALLER and (12) BEST JENILOU. Selections (2) BRAVE ATOUT - (7) ALLEZ BLUE - (3) ANTI DOCTOR - (9) BIEN ALLER - (12) BEST JENILOU

29 Race 7 1. FUNNY LIFE - Promising debut over course and distance before subsequent disqualification. Has to be given another chance 2. FICTION CASTELETS - Made a good impression on debut despite disqualification. Ran below-par last time. Not one to rule out though 3. FLAMME DE GINAI - Has done little to impress since career debut. Others preferred 4. FLEUR DU TRUFIER - Is back over a distance that suits and can make an impact from this good draw 5. FEBE CADENCE - Much improved last run over 2925m and has to be considered despite drop in distance 6. FAMILY FIRST - Made encouraging debut at the venue on 9 February. Drop in distance unlikely to suit 7. FRANCE DE VALNY - Has not shown much enthusiasm for the game in three start to date. Watch 8. FLO DE MAX - Three modest efforts thus far and possibly best to pass over 9. FLO WOOD - Two modest efforts toward the end of last year. Needs to make significant progress 10. FABULEUSE MAUVE - Has done nothing of note in four career starts and is unlikely to change this figure 11. FLORIDA JAY - Pleased on qualification session at Grosbois training Center last November. Consider 12. FRANCE DE BRY - Made a good impression on qualification session and is one to monitor closely 13. FEERIE DES BROUETS - Newcomers from this yard usually need the run. Betting will be best guide Summary (1) FUNNY LIFE had shown plenty of early speed on her debut race over course and distance. Although she was disqualified last time out she is given the vote. (2) FICTION CASTELETS has shown some capabilities but she can prove tricky at the start and will definitely benefit from her position behind the car. Newcomers (11) FLORIDA JAY and (12) FRANCE DE BRY are worth some consideration. Selections

30 (1) FUNNY LIFE - (2) FICTION CASTELETS - (11) FLORIDA JAY - (12) FRANCE DE BRY