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France Form Sheet – 26th February
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R1 – PRIX DU LAUTIN – 1300m (a6f 1/2) – ALL WEATHER – Maiden – Flat – EUR € 23,000
1. LAZYM – Performed to a good and consistent level in four starts last year, including a 1400m
turf handicap last time at Fontainebleau on 24 September. Has a winning chance on his
reappearance switched to PSF for the first time
2. ROOFTOP – Finished an encouraging debut 3rd on the all-weather at Cagnes-sur-Mer over
1500m on 21 January. Can only improve the benefit of that experience
3. GOLUPTIOUS – Has been a little hit-and-miss to this point and was far from convincing in his
first start on PSF when finishing 7th over 1600m at Cagnes-sur-Mer on 7 February. Improvement
needed
4. BAZIL – Finished last of the 12 newcomers on her debut over 2000m on PSF at Cagnes-surMer on 27 January. Will be wiser to the task now and this shorter distance could suit
5. HERA – Has finished 3rd in her two outings, both on turf at Cagnes-sur-Mer over 1500m – the
latest on 1 February. Will not be bothered by the shorter distance switching to PSF
6. ROAST CHESTNUT – Runner-up on PSF over 1300m at Cagnes two starts back and was 2nd
again over that distance on the turf last time at the same venue with blinkers on 7 February. Should
have a role to play
7. CELEBRITY ICON – Caught the eye when finishing 2nd on debut at Deauville over 1300m on
PSF but didn’t confirm that promise when only 7th in a 1300m turf race at Cagnes on 7 February.
Dangerous to discount reverting to this surface
8. ABIAT – Improved with the benefit of an introductory outing (7th) on this surface to finish 4th over
1600m on the PSF at Cagnes on 7 February. Should have more to offer
9. ROMANCE – Le Havre filly on debut for trainer Ingrid Janackova-Koplikova, who has engaged
Théo Bachelot for the ride. One to keep an eye on
Summary: LAZYM (1) performed to a good/consistent in four starts as a two-year-old during 2023
– albeit without success – and is good value to open his account if building on that promise on his
reappearance as a three-year-old. ROOFTOP (2) is, however, likely to pose a threat with
improvement expected after an encouraging introduction (3rd). ROAST CHESTNUT (6), runner-up
in both starts this year already, isn’t incapable of joining that fight for victory either. HERA (5)
completes the shortlist.
SELECTIONS
LAZYM (1) – ROOFTOP (2) – ROAST CHESTNUT (6) – HERA (5)
R2 – PRIX JACQUES GELIOT – 1500m (a7f 1/2) – TURF – Class 2 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 53,000
1. AMEDRAS – Capitalised on a drop in the ratings to his last winning mark by finishing a reassuring
2nd under 62kg in a Quinté+ contest over this course and distance on 5 February. Has a winning
chance
2. KHAMMA – Bounced back from her failure (14th) at this level on PSF last month by winning the
Quinté+ benchmark race over this track and trip on 5 February, beating AMEDRAS (1). Has a
tougher task her under a 3kg penalty
3. BEMER – Capable but unreliable sort who has been disappointing on the PSF recently, including
at this level last time (13th) over 2000m at this venue. Lacks references over 1600m so others are
preferred
4. IT’S CHICO TIME – Has raced three times on French soil having arrived from Spain in the second
half of last year, but only on PSF. Lacks references on soft/rain-affected ground and is making his
Quinte+ debut, so is best watched for now
5. VILLAGE ANGLAIS – Consistent performer with sound references, which include 2 encouraging
Quinté+ appearances recently. Was 3rd in a competitive contest at this level over the same course
and distance on 7 February, so has claims here
6. PEACE WARRIOR – Claimed by Ramon Costa-Aguilar after his 6 December victory at Deauville
and won subsequently at Vila-Seca over 1700m on 21 January. Finished 10th in his only Quinté+
appearance and is best watched for now
7. ROSANNE DU GOUET – Built on the promise of an encouraging comeback 3rd over 1300m on
this course to finish a creditable 6th in the reference race on 5 February over this course and
distance. Has references at this level, so i best kept safe
8. PASSALITO – Was a brilliant last-start winner of a Quinté+ over 1600m on PSF at Pau on 31
January. Has references at this level on the turf but carries a 3kg penalty for his recent success –
has more to do
9. GIFT OF THE G – Somewhat of a ‘mud-lark’ given his liking for deep/heavy ground. Didn’t enjoy
the best run in transit on his return to the handicaps on PSF at Pau last time (23 December) over
2000m. Can do better on turf over 1600m
10. BLUFF – Joined the stable of Nicolas Perret during autumn and was unable to establish himself
in 2 outings for his new trainer before finishing a reassuring 5th in a Quinte+ over this course and
distance on 7 February – keep safe
11. WIND OF CHANGE – Bounced back to form recently in consecutive handicap races on turf at
this venue and confirmed his good disposition with an encouraging 3rd in the benchmark race over
track and trip on 5 February. Draw is a worry
12. MANAROLA – Consistent handicapper who made a pleasing return to action at MarseilleBorély in a strong field over 1200m on 13 February. Has, however, shown her limitations off this
mark 13. TILL WE DIE – Has never finished better than 7th in her appearances at this venue and
continues to drop in the weights as a result of her poor form. Was 11th in a 1300m handicap at this
venue on 18 January and can be ruled out here
14. MR CASSIOPE – Produced a good final effort to finish 6th in the reference race over 1500m at
this venue on 5 February. Often unlucky, owing to his style of running, but is undeniably better than
his recent form figures suggest – respect
15. SASSICA – Has been hard to win with but has maintained her form and consistency at a good
level, which she confirmed on her reappearance over this and trip on 5 February when finishing 4th
in a similar contest. Will be a factor
16. RISING UP – Finished a reassuring 5th in a handicap over course and distance on 7 February,
albeit at a lower level. Has to raise his game to have a say here
Summary: AMEDRAS (1) performed remarkably well to finish 2nd with 62kg on his back in the
benchmark race last time out and has already proven his competitiveness off his current mark,
winning at this level in July over 1400m at Vichy. SASSICA (15) was not far adrift of the selection
when finishing 4th in their recent meeting over this track and trip on her reappearance, and is likely
to pose more of a threat here with improved fitness/condition on her side. ROSANNE DU GOUET
(7), with two comeback races under her belt, is capable of troubling those rivals, as is MR
CASSIOPE (14) who is undeniably better than his recent form figures suggest. VILLAGE ANGLAIS
(5) and KHAMMA (2) appeal most of the remainder.
SELECTIONS
AMEDRAS (1) – SASSICA (15) – ROSANNE DU GOUET (7) – MR CASSIOPE (14)
R3 – PRIX DES JACINTHES – 2000m (a1m 1/4) – ALL WEATHER – Claiming – Flat – EUR € 16,000
1. ZARINA – Improving last-start winner of the references race over the same course and distance
on 1 February. Ought to remain competitive
2. OPALKA – Ought to improve with the benefit of an introductory outing but showed little on that
occasion, when only 9th over 1900m on turf at Nimes (18 Feb), to warrant inclusion here. Watch
for now
3. RAMSES CHOP – Bounced back to form in first-time blinkers at Pau on 26 January when winning
on handicap debut on the PSF over 2000m. Booking of Maxime Guyon is encouraging and the
headgear is retained, so is the horse to beat
4. LORD MIESQUE – Showed signs of improvement at this level last time, albeit in a slightly weaker
race at Marseille-Borely on the turf over 2100m (finished 4th) on 13 February. More needed
5. BREAWNA – Should improve with the benefit of experience after a discreet debut in a conditions
race over this course and distance on 27 January. Watch for now
6. RUBY IN THE ROCKS – Consistent filly with sound form references, especially at this level.
Runner-up in a similar contest over 2100m on turf at Marseille-Borely on 13 February and should
have a role to play here
7. MIDDLE KICK – Runner-up in 4 of her last 5 starts, with each of those 2nd-place finishes
achieved at this level (claiming races) and the most recent of them over this course and distance
on 1 February. Has obvious claims
8. YOUNG GENTLEMAN – Has run only once on PSF but that was in the benchmark event on 1
February over the same track and trip, in which he finished 4th before failing (8th) on turf last time
over 2100m at Marseille-Borley on 13 February
9. SARALUCA – Acquitted herself well last time when debuting on French soil at this level in the
reference race on 1 February over this track and trip, finishing 3rd. Can get into the picture
10. PAUPIE – Unplaced in all four starts, twice on PSF including her latest outing over 1800m at
Lyon-Le Soie on 8 February. Others preferred
11. BELHAD JELOIS – Didn’t go unnoticed on debut when finishing 6th on the turf at this venue
over 2150m on on 12 February. Dark horse switching to the PSF now with natural improvement
expected
Summary: Having won a handicap on the all-weather at Pau last time out, RAMSES CHOP (3)
should be formidable in the claiming category so it could pay to follow his progress in his first start
at this level. RUBY IN THE ROCKS (6) has performed consistently to this point and is likely to lead
the opposition ahead of MIDDLE KICK (7), given her 2kg pull in the weights with last-start conqueror
ZARINA (1) who ought to remain competitive nonetheless.
SELECTIONS
RAMSES CHOP (3) – RUBY IN THE ROCKS (6) – MIDDLE KICK (7) – ZARINA (1)
R4 – PRIX DU CHEIRON – 3200m (a2m) – TURF – Class 3 Handicap – Flat – EUR € 25,000
1. JACKSUN – Has been soundly beaten in each of his three starts this year, twice in Quinte+ races
at this venue recently. Will need to improve to get into the picture after a modest 15th on the PSF
over 2000m on 12 February
2. TURANIA – Was an authoritative winner of a similar contest over this course and distance on 7
February and ought to play another leading role under 2,5kg penalty with Maxime Guyon aboard
again
3. BARBADIN – Out of sorts recently – finished 9th in the reference race over track and trip on 7
February – but likely to get the (rain-affected) ground on which he is most effective. Keep safe
4. LET’S GET LOUD – Performed consistently last year, winning twice at this level on the turf.
Unplaced in all three outings this term and was not as effective at this venue over 2000m on PSF
last time (8th)
5. BREATH OF FIRE – Unreliable and out of sorts (unplaced) recently in handicaps at this venue
over 2500m and 3200m. Unbeaten in two appearance in the claiming category
6. AUEN ADVENTURE – Consistent veteran with sound references over the distance and at this
level, including a last-start 4th over this track and trip in the benchmark race on 7 February. Will
make his presence felt
7. VOILA POURQUOI – Din’t go unnoticed when finishing 6th in the reference race on 7 February
over this course and distance. Not at his sharpest on the PSF last time (7th over 2400m on 17
February) but has a place chance here back on PSF
8. KAYRAT – Most effective on the PSF and is unlikely to trouble the judge here having finished
6th at this level over 2400m on her favourite surface at Lyon-La Soie on 8 February. Others
preferred
9. VIRTUOSE – Maturing, lightly raced colt who opened his account over 2400m on the PSF at this
venue on 17 February. Got a 2,5kg penalty for that win but could improve sufficiently to stake a
claim here stretching out to this distance
10. BREIZH WOOD – Won on her last appearance at this level back in September at Salon-deProvence over 2400m. Unplaced both starts this year but did show signs of a return to form in a
2500m handicap at this venue on 1 February – lurker
11. SAINT LANGIS – Runner-up in the benchmark event on 7 February over the same course and
distance, so should have a role to play on these revised weights terms
Summary: Veteran TURANIA (2) was an easy winner of a similar contest over the same course
and distance earlier in the month and, on that evidence, the 2,5kg penalty is unlikely to prevent him
from winning again. SAINT LANGIS (11) and AUEN ADVENTURE (6) finished 2nd and 4th
respectively in the same race, and they ought to make their presence felt on these revised weight
terms. However, a bigger threat could come from BARBADIN (3) who, although out of sorts, has
dropped to a competitive mark and will appreciate heavy ground.
SELECTIONS
TURANIA (2) – BARBADIN (3) – SAINT LANGIS (11) – AUEN ADVENTURE (6)
R5 – PRIX DES CRIQUETS – 1500m (a7f 1/2) – TURF – Class 4 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 18,000
1. OCTOBER CHOPE – Wasn’t disgraced when finishing midfield (7th of 16) over course and
distance on 7 February and has dropped another 1kg in the weights/ratings. Could get into the
picture with the benefit of her rider’s 2,5kg allowance
2. LE KAKOU – Course-specialist with sound references at this level off a higher mark. Finished a
reassuring 4th over course and distance last time dropped to his current mark – will play a leading
role here with a repeat of that effort
3. ARCO GRANDE – Won a 1200m handicap at Marseille-Borely in May last year but has lost her
way since, despite dropping to his current mark. Was a well-beaten 13th on the PSF over 1600m
at this venue on 21 February
4. JOYEUSE DE ROMAY – Hard-knocking mare who seldom finishes far off the mark but has been
hard to win with. Was 8th over 1700m at Marseille-Borely in her comeback outing on 13 February
– needs to improve, could do so
5. EL PROFESSOR CHOP – Has rediscovered his form and consistency recently given relief from
the handicapper. Confirmed as much by finishing 2nd over track and trip on 7 February and should
have a role to play here with a similar effort
6. MIAMI BEET – Honest performer who seldom finishes far off and has proven his competitiveness
off his current mark. Didn’t go unnoticed when finishing 5th over this track and trip on 5 February
7. PRINCE LOS – Bounced right back to form at Marseille-Borely last time over 1700m on very
heavy ground in a stronger field on 13 February, so has a winning chance here on that form
8. MAKHZEN – Veteran 10-year-old who remains competitive at this level and is seldom far off the
mark. Finished 6th in a PSF handicap over 1300m at this venue on 30 January
9. GOLDEN BEACH – Has confirmed his form and well-being recently by finishing 2nd in
consecutive outings, on both turf and PSF. Runner-up over 1700m at Marseille-Borely on 13
February and has leading claims here on that evidence
10. MY FLINDERS – Has found form and consistency on the PSF recently having dropped in the
ratings to her current mark, but is most effective on PSF. Runner-up on that surface over 1600m at
this venue on 21 February
11. LILY APPLE – Unreliable sort although isn’t incapable of getting into the picture judged on her
best references. Finished 8th over 1700m in a handicap at Marseille-Borely on 13 February
12. MEHANYDREAM – Inconsistent but has undeniable means and is effective on both surfaces.
Reverts to the turf after finishing 9th over 1600m on the PSF at this venue on 21 February
13. MIKYPHELPS – Won a 1600m handicap at Vichy in August 2022 but has lost his way since,
despite plummeting in the ratings. Was a well-beaten 11th over 1700m at Marseille-Borely on 13
February
14. LADY VALOU – Unreliable mare with references at this level. Finished 7th on her reappearance
at Marseille-Borely on the PSF over 1700m on 7 February but ought to do better with improved
fitness on her side 15. QUENTOR – Has done nothing noteworthy since winning a 1400m handicap at Saint-Cloud in
November 2020. Unplaced in each of his three comeback outings this year, the latest (13th) over
track and trip on 5 February
Summary: PRINCE LOS (7) and LE KAKOU (2) caught the eye in their respective latest outings
and could find themselves fighting for victory if reproducing similar performances here. Both will,
however, have to be wary of GOLDEN BEACH (9) for whom a return to winning ways will be sooner
rather than later having finished 2nd in both starts this year. OCTOBER CHOPE (1) is gaining
momentum with each drop in the weights/ratings and will benefit from her rider’s 2,5kg allowance,
so could resurface under these conditions. The shortlist is completed by EL PROFESSOR CHOP
(5) and MIAMI BEET (6).
SELECTIONS
PRINCE LOS (7) – LE KAKOU (2) – GOLDEN BEACH (9) – OCTOBER CHOPE (1)
