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France Form Sheet – 18th January
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R1 – PRIX DE MONS – 1500m (a7 1/2f) – TURF – Handicap – Flat – EUR € 15.000
1. MI C’INFILO – Shot up 9,5kg for winning three consecutive outings in November. Has regained
freshness since but hasn’t won off a mark this high
2. CALIFANO – Inconsistent of late but remains a capable sort with sufficient means to play a
leading role. Not taken lightly
3. PACO – Consistent sort in good form and physical condition, which can also be said of his
trainer whose stable is enjoying a purple patch. One to beat
4. POWER PAPERS – Out of sorts at present but well to climb the ranks last year, so is not
incapable of resurfacing in a race of this nature
5. ALROUCHA – Unreliable but not incapable of getting into the picture judged on her best
references. Hard to trust but is as hard to rule out
6. CHICHIMADAME – The highest-rated runner in the race with sound form references to her
name. Finished 5th recently on her reappearance at Deauville, so warrants respect here
7. FIRST LADY TIME – Finished a reassuring 2nd last time but will need to build on that progress
to get a look in here. Dark horse
8. SAMBA VANILLA – Proven at this level and has won off of higher marks in the past, so could
get into the picture. Place chance
9. WASACHOP – Struggling to regain any form or show signs of improvement needed to be
competitive here, so unlikely to trouble the judge
Summary : Jérôme Reynier won four races at the opening fixture of the meeting and consistent
PACO (3) is likely to continue the stable’s hot streak by winning here. CALIFANO (2), a regular at
this meeting, has been inconsistent of late but retains sufficient means to pose a threat.
CHICHIMADAME (6) finished 5th on her reappearance at Deauville last time and is the highestrated runner in the lineup, so ought to be competitive in a race of this nature with improved fitness
on her side. POWER PAPERS (4) appeals most of the remainder.
SELECTIONS
PACO (3) – CALIFANO (2) – CHICHIMADAME (6) – POWER PAPERS (4)
R2 – PRIX DES COQUELICOTS – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – A RECLAMER – Flat – EUR € 16.000
1. RUBY IN THE ROCKS – Consistent filly with sound form references, including consecutive
recent outings over longer distances. Has never finished worse than 2nd in three outings over this
trip
2. LORD MIESQUE – Has looked decidedly ordinary for some time now so her chances here,
even at this level, are limited. Others preferred
3. PROKOVIEV – Improved last time to finish 2nd in a claiming race at Deauville in December.
Will have more to offer
4. MOUJDAB – Unreilable but did finish 2nd in a Marseille maiden two starts back, so has claims
at this level on that form
5. DO IT FOR ME – Seldom far off the mark in recent outings and has already won at this level of
competition, so is capable of redeeming herself here
6. GEE WHIZZER – Confirmed the improvement of her previous outing (5th) by finishing 4th last
time at Pau. Should have a role to play
7. POMELEO – A consistent performer in this category and boasts sound form references at this
level. Will be competitive for he places
8. BLACK MAMBA – Struggling to regain any form or show signs of improvement needed to be
competitive here, so unlikely to trouble the judge
9. ZHANNA – Struggling to regain any form or show signs of improvement needed to be
competitive here, so unlikely to trouble the judge
10. URBAN CHOPE – Out of sorts and not likely to trouble the judge here on the evidence of
recent displays. For another day
Summary : Consistent RUBY IN THE ROCKS (1) is the highest-rated of the runners engaged in
this claiming event and, with the benefit of her rider’s 1,5kg allowance, ought to appreciate the
drop back in trip to a more suitable distance, so gets the nod here ahead of improving
PROKOVIEV (3) who finished 2nd when last seen and is likely to make further progress,
especially at this level. Both GEE WHIZZER (6) and MOUJDAB (4) are also capable of
challenging for a spot on the podium.
SELECTIONS
RUBY IN THE ROCKS (1) – PROKOVIEV (3) – GEE WHIZZER (6) – MOUJDAB (4)
R3 – PRIX CHERET – 2150m (a1 5/16m) – TURF – A RECLAMER – Flat – EUR € 16.000
1. DECIDEMENT – Inconsistent but has finished 3rd on both this surface and turf, so has the
means to be competitive at this level
2. CLASH OF CURRENTS – Inconsistent although not entirely incapable of getting a look in here.
Has more of a place chance than a winning one
3. MIDDLE KICK – Runner-up in consecutive outings before finishing a creditable 5th last time.
Won’t be inconvenienced by either longer distance or change of surface
4. YOUNG GENTLEMAN – Changed hands after winning a claiming race at Nantes two starts
back before finishing 4th last time at Le Croisé-Laroche for new connections. Leading light
5. RATEL KABOWD – Has looked decidedly ordinary for some time now so her chances here,
even at this level, are limited. Others preferred
6. SECRET CHOPE – Struggling to regain any form or show signs of improvement needed to be
competitive here, so unlikely to trouble the judge
7. HAYSSOUVIE – Seldom finishes far off the mark and did not go unnoticed last time (6th) in her
first outing at this level. Place chance
8. LIANE – Out of sorts last time (8th) and isn’t likely to trouble the judge here on the evidence of
recent displays. For another day
9. SHEEMA’S ROSE – Well-bred Edouard Monfort-trained Anodin filly who needn’t be special to
play a leading role on debut in a race of this nature
10. TESUMI – Caught the eye with an improved staying-on 4th at Lyon-La Soie earlier this month.
Needs to confirm that improvement
Summary : An open claiming race that could go the way of MIDDLE KICK (3), a winner at this
level on turf last summer. She’s been 2nd in two of her last three starts so wouldn’t be winning out
of turn, and won’t bothered by either the switch to this surface or step up to this longer distance.
Already a winner in this category, YOUNG GENTLEMAN (4) is also capable of fighting for victory
if as effective over this longer trip. DECIDEMENT (1) is another with claims in his first start at this
level, as is debutante SHEEMA’S ROSE (9).
SELECTIONS
MIDDLE KICK (3) – YOUNG GENTLEMAN (4) – DECIDEMENT (1) – SHEEMA’S ROSE (9)
R4 – PRIX DE CAILLE – 2000m (a1 1/4m) – ALL WEATHER – Class – Flat – EUR € 16.000
1. MUELHEIMER PERLE – Inconsistent of late but did not go unnoticed last time (6th). Proven at
this level and is comfortable on this track, so has a lot in her favour here
2. WHITE WHISKY – Has looked decidedly ordinary for some time now so her chances here,
even at this level, are limited. Others preferred
3. SPARKEL FOR US – Would have gained plenty from the experience of his debut outing (6th)
and should have more to offer
4. LEPTI PRINSADI – Out of sorts and not likely to trouble the judge here on the evidence of
recent displays. For another day
5. ETHION – Finished 4th in a Quinté+ on this course last winter and has never finished worse
than 3rd in five outings at this level
6. WOODY WOOD – Confirmed the improvement of his previous outing (2nd) with a last-start
success and could play another leading role in his first start at this venue
7. GEOPOLITIC – Acquitted himself very well (5th) in a competitive field in his first start on French
soil. Could have more to offer
8. LORD OF THE ALPS – Consistent veteran who finished 4th on his return to French soil last
time. Could have a role to play here if confirming that form
9. SHANAKILL – Seldom finishes far off the mark so could get into the picture here, though has
no more than a place chance
10. KING OF MEADOWS – Successful in the claiming category before failing to take advantage
of a favorable trip last time when finishing unplaced in a handicap.Can do better
11. DAINTY BIT – Miroslav Rulec-trained De Treville gelding to be ridden on debut by Stéphane
Pasquier. For another day
Summary : MUELHEIMER PERLE (1) is the highest-rated runner in the race and will appreciate
a return to this track, so she is preferred to consistent LORD OF THE ALPS (8), who is also a
candidate for success. ETHION (5) returned to form last time and has never disappointed at this
level, so ought to pose a threat too. GEOPOLITIC (7) and last-start winner WOODY WOOD (6)
are capable of challenging for a spot on the podium.
SELECTIONS
MUELHEIMER PERLE (1) – LORD OF THE ALPS (8) – ETHION (5) – GEOPOLITIC (7)
R5 – PRIX DU VAL BORRIGO – 1300m (a6 1/2f) – TURF – Divised Handicap – Flat – EUR € 24.000
1. I DARE – Arrives in poor form and faces an uphill battle against some in form opponents.
Weight off the back is the only positive. Hard to fancy
2. WINNAN – Inconsistent type that isn’t currently thriving and needs to show a lot more
enthusiasm in order to feature. Would be a surprise winner
3. SLEEPY SUZY – Arrives in solid, hard-knocking form following a narrow defeat at her last start
when back in 2nd position. Principle contender
4. DON FALCO – Put his best foot forward when winning in his first start for the year over 1500m
but is up in class for this event. Others preferred
5. ASTRACHEM – Finished 4th in his final start for 2023 over 1500m but he faces a tougher task
here, now rising in Class. Capable but not reliable
6. VAUTRIN – Finished 8th in his first run for the year over this trip and more is required if he is to
start challenging. Easy to pass by
7. PINK VALENTINE – Ran a nice race back in 3rd last time out over 1300m and could certainly
earn once again despite meeting a competitive field. Place chance
8. BOZA – Cracking performance just three days ago when finishing 3rd over 1600m at this
venue and he seems to be ideally placed. Big runner
9. THE DIG – This gelding has come a long way down in the ratings and could start featuring
more prominently over a more suitable distance. Can pop up
10. WHY CHOPE – Last victory came over this trip in August last year and she now looks to be on
a more realistic mark. Expect some improvement
11. URI – Drawn next door to Boza who finished in front off him three days ago and he should get
every opportunity to win here. Solid claims
12. BLOOD CHOPE – Finished 6th last time out over 1300m and her form prior was very pleasing
over this trip. Should be in the shake up
Summary : BOZA (8) is a very fit horse heading into this event and was a touch unlucky a few
days ago so he could make amends here. SLEEPY SUZY (3) is running to a useful level and is
getting close to another victory which doesn’t seem far away. URI (11) was just behind Boza last
time out and could certainly turn the form around with a bit of luck on his side. BLOOD CHOPE
(12) enjoys this trip and should run a good race once again.
SELECTIONS
BOZA (8) – SLEEPY SUZY (3) – URI (11) – BLOOD CHOPE (12)
R6 – PRIX D’ANNONCIADE – 1300m (a6 1/2f) – TURF – Divised Handicap – Flat – EUR € 28.000
1. ROSANNE DU GOUET – Inconsistent type that doesn’t bring in the most inspiring form and will
need to up her game to challenge. Unreliable type
2. TILL WE DIE – Finished 6th over 1000m at her most recent outing but will need to up her game
against this lot. One to pass by
3. WIND OF CHANGE – This gelding tends to flash up when least expected so is hard to assess
and his form isn’t consistent enough to have confidence in his ability. Hard to fancy
4. DROIT DE PAROLE – Jumps from a deep draw which is a slight negative but the apprentice is
retained and his last start was pleasing when finishing 3rd. Include in the play
5. ELUSIVE FOOT – Won a nice race in his first start for 2024 over 1500m and there could be
more to come from him with his confidence booming. Strong winning chance
6. J’AURAIS DU – This individual has already had two runs in 2024 and ran a very nice race
when back in 2nd position 5 days ago. Should run well
7. SCARFACE – His last run which came on the 6th of January this year wasn’t the greatest but
his form prior is excellent and should be able to reproduce that here. Include in all bets
8. OCEAN – Finished 4th at this venue a few days ago and will be a pretty fit horse heading into
this event with the drop in trip in his favor. Can win this
9. OISSEL – 2023 wasn’t the best year for this filly who had very patchy form and she will be
looking to start off the new year on the right foot. Improvement is required
10. MOWAEVA – Two years without a win and despite coming down in the ratings, his recent
form hasn’t improved which doesn’t help his claims. Others make more appeal
11. MONSIEURVALCHOP – Showed a lot of courage to win last time out and receives weight off
the back which is an advantage and he can compete strongly. Must inclusion
12. HY DREAM – Arrives in poor form and a complete turnaround is needed if she is to find
herself being competitive. Would be a shock winner
Summary : ELUSIVE FOOT (5) has been very competitive in this grade and found the in drop in
class to his liking last time out. He is very much the one to beat. J’AURAIS DU (6) just found one
two good last time out and could go one better in this. SCARFACE (7) is better judged on
previous form which could see him run a big race. OCEAN (8) is one that can never be ignored
and brings the right credentials into this.
SELECTIONS
ELUSIVE FOOT (5) – J’AURAIS DU (6) – SCARFACE (7) – OCEAN (8)
