Download your daily France form sheet for FREE in the links below:-
France Form Sheet – 10th December
Race Preview
R1 – ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL CUP – SHEIKH MANSOOR FESTIVAL – 2400m (a1 1/2m) – ALL WEATHER – Condition Race – Flat – EUR € 18.000
1. GHAFFAR DE BRUGERE – Last-start winner at this venue over 2000m. Has a good record at
the venue and is likely to be a factor once more
2. ALMADORA – Unreliable but not incapable of getting into the picture judged on her best
references. Hard to trust but is as hard to rule out
3. CHOUF THE STAR – Maintaining a respectable level of form and consistency. Not to be taken
lightly, especially if judged on his best references
4. PETITE AATIKA – Consistent filly with sound form references and proven efficiency on this
surface. Will have a role to play
5. KAREEM – Runner-up in two of three starts last year, including his latest outing back in July
2022. Was not disgraced at Group II level either, so probably sets the standard here on his return
6. ZAWANIA STAR – Seldom finishes far off the mark but has more of a place chance here than a
winning one. Others for the win
7. JAY Z ARMOR – Thomas Fourcy-trained Viking de l’Ardus gelding to be ridden by Emilien
Révolte. Best just to watch for now
8. DZHARI ZORAHN – Jean-Bernard Eyquem is a noteworthy jockey booking aboard this son of
Al Nus Sukran. For another day, perhaps
Summary : KAREEM (5) hasn’t been seen since July 2022 but did finish 2nd in two of his three
starts last year and wasn’t disgraced when 6th of 7 in a Group II, so is worth siding with here on his
reappearance. He’s preferred ahead of last-start winner GHAFFAR DE BRUGERE (1), who is
particularly at ease on this course, and ultra-consistent LITTLE AATIKA (4), whose reliability should
stand her in good stead here. CHOUF THE STAR (3) completes the shortlist.
SELECTIONS
KAREEM (5) – GHAFFAR DE BRUGERE (1) – PETITE AATIKA (4) – CHOUF THE STAR (3)
R2 – PRIX DE BEDOUS – 2000m (a1 1/4m) – ALL WEATHER – Condition Race – Flat – EUR € 27.000
1. HAVRAS – Progressive colt trained by a skillful handler. Has won back-to-back outings recently
and is likely to make another bold bid
2. SIBAYAN – Debut winner who almost preserved his unbeaten record when only narrowly beaten
(2nd) last time. Can get back to winning ways
3. SHERZAL – Has improved with each outing stepped up in distance, culminating in a last-start
success over this trip. Should have more to offer
4. MAGIC FALCON – Improved with headgear fitted to win his penultimate start over 1600m before
failing to confirm that progress last time. Could do better stretching out to this trip
5. SWING CITY – Improving last-start winner over this course and distance. Open to further
progress so will have a role to play here
Summary : SIBAYAN (2) lost little in defeat when confirming the promise of his debut victory by
finishing 2nd in his latest outing. He is open to any amount of improvement so gets the nod here
ahead of another promising colt in HAVRAS (1), who has won consecutive starts recently and ought
to make a bold bid in pursuit of his hat-trick. Improving last-start winners SWING CITY (5) and
SHERZAL (3) should remain competitive and are likely to be involved in the finish.
SELECTIONS
SIBAYAN (2) – HAVRAS (1) – SWING CITY (5) – SHERZAL (3)
R3 – PRIX D’ARTIX – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – Condition Race – Flat – EUR € 23.000
1. CORONADO – Runner-up on debut at Tarbes and is likely to fight for victory here with any
improvement. Winning chance
2. WELCOMETORO – Made no impression when finishing 9th on debut and, while likely to improve
given that experience, is best watched for now
3. CHAI D’OEUVRE – Showed sufficient promise on debut, by finishing 5th here, to suggest he has
the means to play a leading role in a race of this nature, especially with improvement expected.
Respect
4. BACK IN PARIS – Confirmed the promise of his debut 4th by running well to finish 2nd at this
track recently. Need only confirm that improvement to go one better
5. TESTIMONIO – Finished a well-beaten 9th on debut and, while likely to improve with that
experience, is best watched for now
6. BAAL HOWARD – Didn’t go unnoticed on debut but failed to improve with that experience under
the belt last time. Could get back on track with blinkers now fitted
7. BANDIDO – Showed little in both starts, finishing 9th on both occasions, so is hard to make a
case for. Others preferred
8. PORT GALLAND – The most experiences runner in the field with sound form references, though
has more of a place chance than a winning one
9. GOLDEN STATE – Consistent last-start winner, albeit at a lower level. Faces a fairly tough field
here given his means and is significantly stepped up in distance, which could bring about
improvement
10. PIU DREAM – Improved with the benefit of his debut experience (9th) to finish 6th last time and
ought to make further progress, so could get into the picture
11. NASDAQ – Has finished 4th in both outings and was unlucky not to have achieved a better
result last time at this venue. Dark horse
Summary : Jean-Claude Rouget holds a strong hand in the race and his runners are likely to fight
out the finish, though preference is given to BACK IN PARIS (4), who adapted well to this track
when improving to finish 2nd here in his latest outing, and he should go one better if building on
that progress. He will, however, have to be wary of stablemate CORONADO (1) who ought to
improve after an eye-catching introduction (2nd) at Tarbes. CHAI D’OEUVRE (3), whose debut 5th
didn’t go unnoticed, and NASDAQ (11), who has finished 4th in both outings, come next.
SELECTIONS
BACK IN PARIS (4) – CORONADO (1) – CHAI D’OEUVRE (3) – NASDAQ (11)
R4 – PRIX D’ARBUS – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – Condition Race – Flat – EUR € 23.000
1. CORDIALE – Made no impression on debut but improved with that experience to finish 6th last
time, so could get a look in here with further progress
2. MACANELLA – Improved with the benefit of her debut outing (7th) to finish 3rd last time, so
could get into the picture here if building on that progress
3. PRINCESSE CHLOE – Has not been disgraced in her three starts, despite finishing unplaced on
each occasion. Was not beaten far last time (6th) so could get a look in here if sparking
improvement
4. JAKIMA – Consistent for the most part and boasts sound form references on this surface in
England. Should have a role to play
5. VLASIKHOVA – Made no impression when finishing unplaced on debut and, though likely to
improve with that experience, is best watched for now
6. GOIZ ARGI – Open to improvement after finishing a well-beaten 9th on debut but is best watched
for now. Others preferred
7. MONNA VANNA – Finished an encouraging 2nd on debut and would’ve gained plenty given that
experience, though will need to confirm that promise on the PSF now. Keep safe
8. FURTIVE DIVINE – Started well enough on debut to warrant respect here. Ran a better race than
indicated by her finishing position on that occasion (7th), so cannot be taken lightly
9. MELODY – Drops in class after debuting in a strong field at Chantilly. Ought to improve
significantly with that experience under the belt
10. ALOVEMINE – Runner-up on debut but has regressed since, failing to confirm that early
promise. Others preferred
11. BEAUTIFULL RISK – Finished a well-beaten 8th on debut and, while likely to improve with that
experience, is best watched for now
Summary : MELODY (9), although finishing unplaced, wasn’t disgraced in a much stronger race
on debut at Chantilly, so it could pay her to follow her progress in what looks an easier assignment,
given the expected improvement with that experience under her belt, JAKIMA (4), if judged on her
best British performance on this surface, is likely to pose a threat, though. MONNA VANNA (7),
whose debut 2nd was encouraging, and FURTIVE DIVINE (8), who ran a better race on debut than
her finishing position (7th) may suggest, complete the shortlist.
SELECTIONS
MELODY (9) – JAKIMA (4) – MONNA VANNA (7) – FURTIVE DIVINE (8)
R5 – PRIX DE LA BASTIDE – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – Divised Handicap – Flat – EUR € 14.000
1. VICTORY CAT – Consistent sort with sound form reference. Concedes weight to all but is well
drawn in gate No 2, so must be respected
2. RIONEGRO – Has displayed commendable consistency for several weeks now and has proven
aptitude for this Pau circuit. Dark horse
3. LA CATELLA – Acquitted herself well in the benchmark race last month and must have claims
here judged on that evidence
4. SOLITARY MAN – Continues to blow hot and cold but ran well enough last time, when he didn’t
get the run of the race, to finish 3rd. Will fight for victory with a repeat of that performance
5. LIEBE KINDER – Not disgraced last time (6th) after finishing 2nd in consecutive outings before
that. Should sooner or later resume winning ways
6. AL RASSOUL – Unreliable and inconsistent of late but retains sufficient means to play a leading
role in a race of this nature. Keep safe
7. A GIBRALTAR – Inconsistent though not entirely incapable of getting a look in here in a race of
this nature. Upset potential
8. ELCOT – Consistent for the most part and ran with merit last time, despite an unfavourable trip.
Not taken lightly
9. RUMESNIL – Unreliable but seldom finishes far off the mark on a going day. Hard to trust but is
as hard to rule out
10. THE FUNK BIBLE – Struggling to regain any form or spark the improvement needed to be
competitive here, so unlikely to trouble the judge
11. LA FILLE DE BERLIN – Has finished unplaced in the three outings since her victory four starts
back. Best watched for now
12. GOUT SUCRE – Inconsistent although not entirely incapable of getting a look in here. Has more
of a place chance than a winning one
13. BLUECTOT – Has looked distinctly ordinary for some time now so his chances are limited here,
even at this level. Ignore
14. SALSA DOLOISE – Unreliable but seldom finishes far off the mark on a going day. Hard to trust
but is as hard to rule out
15. KENZOKI –
16. IZAKAYA – Has been struggling to regain any form for a considerable period now and is not
likely to trouble the judge here
Summary : SOLITARY MAN (4) and LIEBE KINDER (5) have been hard to win with recently. Both
continue to blow hot and cold but their improved recent performances prove they retain the means
necessary to win a race of this ilk. They’re likely to fight for victory with AL RASSOUL (6), who
finished behind those rivals in a benchmark race last month, capable of giving cheek. ELCOT (8)
did not enjoy the way that race panned out but is capable of staking a claim too.
SELECTIONS
SOLITARY MAN (4) – LIEBE KINDER (5) – AL RASSOUL (6) – ELCOT (8)
R6 – PRIX DU MUSEE DES BEAUX ARTS DE PAU – 2000m (a1 1/4m) – ALL WEATHER – Handicap – Flat – EUR € 20.000
1. GREENWOOD – Has finished unplaced in the three starts after his back-to-back prior victories.
Best just to watch for now
2. NIKOLAJ – Unreliable but not incapable of getting into the picture judged on her best references.
Hard to trust but is as hard to rule out
3. LIMESY – Was a winner three starts back and has remained competitive in both subsequent
outings, including a recent 2nd, and enjoys the PSF. Winning chance
4. MYMAP – Lines up here in good form and recently changed hands after a creditable last start
(5th) at Le Mans. Chance here if as effective on PSF
5. ZOKOA – Inconsistent although not entirely incapable of getting a look in here. Has more of a
place chance than a winning one
6. EXUMA – Bounced back to form when running on well to finish 3rd at this venue last time.
Warrants respect here
7. BLUE SHADE – Versatile and capable on the flat as well as over hurdles, although probably
more effective at a lower level. Outsider
8. PAS RADINE – Seldom finishes far off the mark so is not a forlorn hope in a race of this nature,
though has no more than a place chance
9. LA MARAZUELA – Maintaining a respectable degree of consistency and rarely goes unnoticed,
often finishing just off the leading positions. Outside chance
10. LOVING STAR – Inconsistent although not entirely incapable of getting a look in here. Has
more of a place chance than a winning one
11. LADIES LAW – Consistent for the most part with sound form references, including a respectable
effort in a benchmark race recently. Dark horse
12. ANGEL CHARLY – Out of sorts although seldom far off the mark. Has dropped significantly in
the ratings and her trainer has done well at this venue in the recent past – beware
13. SPANISH LIGHT – Has already proven effective on this fibresand track and should not be long
in winning. Will have a leading role to play
Summary : SPANISH LIGHT (13) seems close to success at this level and wouldn’t be winning
out of turn here given the strength and consistency of his recent form. However, it could pay to take
him on with LIMESY (3) whose two outings after her victory three starts back have confirmed her
competitiveness at this level. MYMAP (4), who was recently acquired after a claiming race at Le
Mans, and EXUMA (6), who acquitted herself well in a race of reference recently, are also capable
of staking a claim.
SELECTIONS
LIMESY (3) – SPANISH LIGHT (13) – MYMAP (4) – EXUMA (6)
R7 – PRIX DES LANDES – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – Divised Handicap – Flat – EUR € 16.000
1. MILLIE LOU – Unreliable but not incapable of getting into the picture judged on her best
references. Hard to trust but is as hard to rule out
2. ROCKENVOY – Lines up here on the back of five consecutive Portugal victories. Hard runner to
assess so is dangerous to dismiss
3. CHIEF RED CLOUD – Inconsistent but has the means to be very competitive at this level,
especially off his mark (compared to last season). Respected from stall No 1
4. LADY PINK – Inconsistent although not entirely incapable of getting a look in here. Has more of
a place chance than a winning one
5. FULL GAIN – Continues to blow hot and cold but isn’t incapable of staking a claim in a race like
this. Not underestimated
6. STIRLING – Lines up here in good form and physical condition. Finished an eye-catching 2nd
last time and will fight for victory here with a repeat of that performance
7. VIRIMOON ETOILE – Unreliable but not incapable of getting into the picture judged on her best
references. Hard to trust but is as hard to rule out
8. REPEL GHOSTS – Has done nothing noteworthy for some time now to warrant any consideration
here so can be ruled out. Overlook
9. AFSHAR – Out of sorts, finishing unplaced in each of his last three outings, but is likely to have
been prepared for his return to this venue, where he excelled during the winter. Winning chance
10. CAYRAS SIDE – Has been regaining momentum recently, which she confirmed with an
improved 2nd last time out. Dark horse
11. WAIPA – Bounced back to form with an excellent 3rd here last time and should have a role to
play if confirming that improvement. Keep safe
12. JORDAN BAKER – Recently switched stables which could have breathed new life into him.
Will be fitted with full blinkers On this occasion, so cannot be taken lightly
13. O GRE DES SAISONS – Consistent performer in these types of events and is likely to acquit
himself competitively once more, especially as he appreciates racing at this venue
14. LE HAVRE DREAM UP – Struggling to regain any form or show signs of improvement needed
to be competitive here, so unlikely to trouble the judge
15. SUPER CUTE – Improved to win over this course and distance last time when refitted with
blinkers. Up 3kg for that win so has more to do confirming that form
16. ROYAL VATI – Has looked rather ordinary for some time now so his chances here are limited,
even at this level. Ignore
Summary : AFSHAR (9) would have needed his last start after a layoff but did appear to lose his
way in three starts from February to May, having finished 2nd at this venue in a stronger race and
off of a higher mark in January. On that evidence, he should have no trouble winning this event if
bouncing back to that level of performance. He gets the nod ahead of STIRLING (6), who caught
the eye by finishing 2nd here recently, and the enigmatic CHIEF RED CLOUD (3) whose means
are certain. WAIPA (11) also ran well enough at this venue last time to be considered.
SELECTIONS
AFSHAR (9) – STIRLING (6) – CHIEF RED CLOUD (3) – WAIPA (11)
R8 – PRIX D’ARNOS – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – Divised Handicap – Flat – EUR € 20.000
1. NORDESTE – Honest performer who, even with his rider’s 1,5kg allowance, has to concede
weight to all. Will be hard to peg back if getting to the lead and dictating terms
2. DOCTOR RON – Proven on the PSF, and at a higher level too. Has undeniable means though
his recent form is uncertain – all or nothing
3. ETATIQUE – Showed signs of improvement last time but needs to build on that progress to get
a look in here. Outsider
4. LARIS – Unreliable but not incapable of getting into the picture judged on his best references.
Hard to trust but is as hard to rule out
5. FLY D’ASPE – Recently returned to success on this track, which he particularly enjoys. Ought
to fight for victory once more despite carrying a resultant penalty
6. EL TORERO – Inconsistent though undeniably capable sort whose form is patchy but record at
this track a good one. Keep safe
7. GALILODGE – Wasn’t winning out of turn three starts back after finishing 2nd in consecutive
starts, but is drawn wide here after back-to-back unplaced appearances. Needs to bounce back
8. MYBOYFRIEND – Bounced back to form last time by running on to finish a reassuring 2nd and
has a winning chance here if confirming that improvement. One to beat
9. ATLANTIGO – Undeniably capable, judged on his best form references, but has been off the boil
for some time now so must reaffirm. Watch for now
10. UNAMUNO – Seldom finishes far off the mark so is not a forlorn hope in a race of this nature,
but has no more than a place chance here
11. LAUPER – Unreliable but not incapable of getting into the picture judged on her best references.
Hard to trust but is as hard to rule out
12. NUIT D’ALIENOR – Has won twice and finished 3rd twice in her last five starts. Makes obvious
appeal here on that form and should play a leading role
13. AZUR AS WELL – Registered the second of her back-to-back victories four starts back but has
blown hot and cold since, finishing 4th in two of her three subsequent outings. Capable but
unreliable
14. SERAPHIM – Inconsistent but remains capable of staking a claim in a race of this nature. Not
one to take lightly
15. ITALO – Has often performed well on this course, so is dangerous to dismiss here after finishing
3rd in consecutive outings recently. Respect
16. YSSINGEAUX – Unreliable but seldom finishes far off the mark on a going day. Hard to trust
but is as hard to rule out
Summary : MYBOYFRIEND (8) ran on well in the closing stages to finish 2nd in the benchmark
race last month and seems capable of confirming that improvement by going one better here. He
is good value to turn the tables on FLY D’ASPE (5), the winner of that race who now carries a
penalty, with NUIT D’ALIENOR (12), who was tenacious in finishing 3rd from the front, again
expected to acquit herself competitively. EL TORERO (6) is inconsistent but has a good record
here and cannot be taken lightly either.
SELECTIONS
MYBOYFRIEND (8) – FLY D’ASPE (5) – NUIT D’ALIENOR (12) – EL TORERO (6)
