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France Form Sheet – 30th March
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R1 – PRIX DE LA CROIX DE PONTARME – 2000m (a1m 1/4) – TURF – Class 2 – Flat – EUR € 28,000
1. XYLOPHONE – Unplaced (10th) on debut over 1900m on the PSF at Deauville but improved
significantly with the benefit of that experience to win over 2000m on the turf at Durtal on 17
December. More needed at this level
2. DARING PRINCE – Improving colt and wide-margin winner of his last start over 2000m at
Saint-Cloud on 17 November. Will have more to offer
3. COLUMBUS – Was put away for the winter after a winning two-year-old debut on the PSF at
Deauville over 1900m on 5 November. Would’ve come on appreciably with the benefit of that
outing
4. FLYWIRE – Displayed a willing and professional attitude when winning on debut over 1900m
on the PSF at Chantilly on 1 March. Open to any amount of improvement, so it could pay to follow
his progress
5. MORNING AIR – Improved with each of three outings last year, culminating in a last-start
2000m victory on heavy ground at Saint-Cloud on 17 November. Has a Group I Prix de Diane
entry
Summary: A small yet competitive opening event with all five runners last-start winners.
FLYWIRE (4) and COLUMBUS (3) made winning debuts on the PSF but should be as – if not
more so – as effective on turf, so could fight for victory. The former is the only one in the lineup to
have raced this season, so is marginally preferred. Stéphane Wattel saddles three of the quintet
engaged, led by DARING PRINCE (2) who looked an exciting prospect when a runaway winner
over 2000m at Saint-Cloud in November. Improving MORNING AIR (5), the only filly in the race,
has classic entries to her name and should acquit herself competitively in receipt of weight from
her male counterparts.
SELECTIONS
FLYWIRE (4) – DARING PRINCE (2) – MORNING AIR (5) – COLUMBUS (3)
R2 – PRIX DE LA ROUTE MILLARD – 1300m (a6f 1/2) – ALL WEATHER – Handicap – Flat – EUR € 25,000
1. MISTER GAN – An 11-start maiden with just a solitary place to his name – over 1400m on PSF
at Newcastle on 17 October. Has been unconvincing on French soil and was soundly beaten
(12th) in a 1400m claimer here on 5 March
2. BAYLINER – Didn’t go unnoticed when finishing 5th on handicap debut over 1200m on turf at
Fontainebleau last time out on 6 March. Could get into the picture if improving back on the PSF
3. TAHINI – Still a maiden but has shown his form and well-being in two PSF handicaps on this
course since the turn of the year. Was 4th over track and trip last month and finished 3rd over
1400m on 18 March – big runner
4. TEMPLETON – Has improved significantly in two starts with blinkers fitted, finishing 2nd on
both occasions – including in a PSF handicap over this distance at Cagnes in January and over
1500m on the turf there on 17 February
5. PANAY – Soundly beaten in both starts on turf last year and finished unplaced (7th) on her
reappearance over this track and trip in a conditions race on 23 February. Improvement needed
on handicap debut – just watch
6. AMOUREUSE – Won a 1400m handicap on this course in November but has struggled
(finishing unplaced) in all 3 of her subsequent outings in 1300m PSF handicaps at Deauville
under a 3kg penalty – only 13th on 25 January
7. ELKABIER – Runner-up in a 1500m PSF handicap at Deauville in December but hasn’t
confirmed that improvement in three unplaced subsequent outings – was only 7th in a 1600m
handicap on this course on 29 February
8. TEMPO – Wasn’t disgraced when finishing 5th in his only handicap appearance over 1500m on
the turf at Cagnes in January. Must improve to have a say here after finishing 8th in a 1400m
claimer on this course on 5 March
9. GOLDFIELD – Caught the eye when finishing a much-improved 3rd on his reappearance in a
handicap over this distance on the PSF at Deauville on 25 January. Will be a factor if confirming
that improvement
10. GOLDEN GLOBE – Unplaced in all five outings, including four starts on this surface and in
handicaps on both surfaces. Only 8th in a 1200m turf handicap at Fontainebleau on 6 March and
reverts to PSF with the blinkers removed
11. LAURELLA BERE – Soundly beaten in all five outings last year and made no impression in a
2100m claimer on this course on in her comeback appearance on 13 January. Hard to make a
case for on handicap debut
12. BATAREIKA – Unplaced in all four starts to date, two on either surface and the latest (10th) in
a 1400m conditions race on this track on 8 March. Others preferred
Summary: A tricky three-year-old handicap to assess. TAHINI (3), however, has already proven
himself in this category over course and distance, so could be worth siding with. GOLDFIELD (9)
caught the eye on this surface at Deauville earlier this year and ought to be competitive on his
reappearance having regained freshness. TEMPLETON (4), runner-up in consecutive recent
outings, has only a lack of PSF references against her but should have a role to play if proving
effective on this surface. ELKABIER (7) and GOLDEN GLOBE (10) complete the shortlist.
SELECTIONS
TAHINI (3) – GOLDFIELD (9) – TEMPLETON (4) – ELKABIER (7)
R3 – PRIX DES MANUFACTURES DE MEISSEN ET DE CHANTILLY – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – Class 4 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 18,000
1. COOL MAN – Won a 1300m PSF claimer at Deauville in January but failed to confirm that
form/improvement when 8th in a 1400m turf handicap on very heavy ground at Saint-Cloud on 12
March. Could do better back on PSF
2. ROUVRAY – Pops up on occasion and isn’t incapable of doing so here either, if judged on his
best references. Didn’t go unnoticed when 7th in an 1800m turf handicap at Compiegne on 10
March – needs to confirm back on PSF
3. SAGE DREAM – Confirmed the improvement of an encouraging (5th) comeback run over track
and trip by finishing 2nd in a course-and-distance handicap on 5 March. Candidate for success
4. SICILIA – Won a course-and-distance handicap two starts back but made no impression when
12th under a 2,5kg penalty over track and trip on 5 March. Capable of redeeming herself
5. RESTLESS SPIRIT – Out of sorts but has dropped considerably in the weights/ratings as a
result and, on his best references, is certainly not incapable of resurfacing in a race of this ilk.
Finished 8th over track and trip on 15 February
6. YOU’VE GOT SAIL – Hard-knocking handicapper, seldom far off the mark but has no more
than a place chance here. Finished 7th over track and trip on 5 March, so has a bit to find on that
form
7. CRACK CITY – Consistent for the most part with sound references in PSF handicaps, though
has proven hard to win with (just 1 victory from 30 starts). Finished 3rd in course-and-distance
handicap on 8 March – not taken lightly
8. MON SIOUX – Achieved his only career success in a handicap over track and trip in January
and proved competitive off his revised mark by finishing 4th in a course-and-distance handicap on
8 March. Dark horse
9. ADWAN – A model of consistency in PSF handicaps with solid references/form credentials at a
higher level. Was 3rd in an 1800m PSF handicap at Lyon-La Soie on 15 March and ought to play
another leading role here
10. MR SLICKER – Veteran handicapper with 8 wins from 78 starts to his name, although soundly
beaten in both outings this year in course-and-distance handicaps. Hard to recommend after
finishing downfield (14th) on 5 March
11. ZAAHIR – Unreliable but undeniably capable veteran with sound references in PSF handicaps
off his current mark. Finished 7th in a lesser handicap over track and trip on 5 March so will need
to improve to be competitive
12. INDIAN FALCON – Won on soft ground over 1200m at Pontefract in April last year but has
lost his way since and achieved his best references on French soil in claiming races. Only 12th in
1400m handicap at Compiegne on 19 March
13. HAPPY HUNTER – A 17-start maiden, inconsistent in PSF handicaps off this mark. Was 4th
in a handicap over track and trip on 9 February so could do better back at a mile trip after
finishing 8th over 1300m at Deauville last time 14. CITY OF HOPE – Pops up on occasion and isn’t incapable of doing so again judged on his
best references, though probably best watched for now after successive unplaced efforts in
handicaps over track and trip – 8th on 8 March
15. EL BNOUD – Inconsistent mare with references on PSF in claimers and handicaps, including
a last-start 3rd over track and trip in a handicap at this level on 23 February. Will tempt lovers of
outsiders
16. WINNAN – Bounced back to form with a reassuring 2nd in a 1600m PSf handicap at Cagnes
on 21 February, having dropped to her current mark. Needs to confirm that improvement to get
into the picture
17. ANDINO – Last-start winner of a 1600m PSF handicap at Cagnes-sur-on 21 February when
blinkers were dispensed with. Up 2kg for that win but could confirm that improvement without the
headgear again
Summary: Another trappy handicap. Consistent ADWAN (9) offers the most guarantees, having
not finished worse than 3rd in his last 5 starts, so a return to winning ways seems a distinct
possibility. SAGE DREAM (3) has regained momentum this year with two encouraging comeback
outings and is likely to fight for victory after an encouraging 2nd last time out. SICILIA (4) was
unable to confirm the form of his penultimate start (victory) under a penalty last time but shouldn’t
be written off just yet, while the chances of both CRACK CITY (7) and MON SIOUX (8) can’t be
discounted either given their references (form and experience) at this level. Tricky!
SELECTIONS
ADWAN (9) – SAGE DREAM (3) – SICILIA (4) – CRACK CITY (7)
R4 – PRIX DU GRAND CERF – 2400m (a1m 1/2) – TURF – Class 2 – Flat – EUR € 27,000
1. CICCIO BOY – Well-performed versatile six-year-old entire with sound references (handicaps
and conditions races) on the turf and PSF. Finished 3rd on his reappearance over 1900m on the
PSF at this venue on 15 February
2. KERMIYA – Last-start winner over 2000m on heavy ground in Ireland (Curragh) on 31 October.
Subsequently joined Francis-Henri Graffard’s stable
3. ALWAYS WELCOME – Ultra-consistent and well-performed veteran with sound references in
this grade and at a higher level, including a last-start 5th in a 2400m Listed race on heavy ground
at Saint-Cloud on 21 March. Keep safe
4. KNOW THYSELF – Lightly raced mare with references and solid/consistent form credentials at
a higher level. Absent since finishing 6th in a Listed race over this course and distance on 18
June, so is best watched for now
5. SHAKTI – Won consecutive starts in August and September last year before losing her
unbeaten record when 2nd in a 2500m Listed race at Deauville on 19 October. Has the means to
play a leasing role on her return
6. DIAMOND VENDOME – Capable but inconsistent veteran performer who, after finishing 6th, is
held by ALWAYS WELCOME (3) on the form a recent 2400m Listed race at Saint-Cloud on 21
March
7. SACRED SPIRIT – Progressive sort with sound references/form credentials, maintaining his
consistency throughout 2023 before winning on his reappearance over 2100m at Saint-Cloud on
12 March. Should have more to offer
8. MANTOOG – Consistent Kingman filly whose experience gained in England on the turf and
PSF ought to stand her in good stead in France. Absent since finishing 9th in a 2200m PSF
handicap at Kempton on 27 September
Summary: Maturing SACRED SPIRIT (7) impressed when winning on her reappearance and
remains open to further improvement, so it could pay to follow his progress. He gets the nod
ahead of returning SHAKTI (5) who has already revealed serious means, though her race
readiness has to be taken on trust. KERMIYA (2) and MANTOOG (8) made successful starts to
their careers in England and cannot be underestimated either.
SELECTIONS
SACRED SPIRIT (7) – SHAKTI (5) – KERMIYA (2) – MANTOOG (8)
R5 – PRIX DE LA JOURNEE DES PLANTES – 1600m (a1m) – ALL WEATHER – Class 2 Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 53,000
1. LE NOMADE – Last-start winner of the Quinté+ reference race over course and distance on 5
March. At the peak of his powers currently but has to defy another 4kg penalty
2. SHINNING OCEAN – Last-start winner of a course-and-distance Class 2 event on 16 February.
Has already proven his worth in the Quinté+ category by winning at this level off of a rating just
1kg below his current mark
3. BIG LOG – Confirmed the improvement of his previous outing over 2000m with an eyecatching fast-finishing 3rd on his return to a mile in the reference race over course and distance
on 5 March. Not taken lightly
4. BULLACE – Enjoyed a fruitful 2023 during which he proved his competitiveness in the Quinte+
category. Fluffed his lines when only 12th in a Quinte+ over track and trip on 12 December –
capable of better on his return
5. TOIJK – Won a 1400m PSF Quinté+ at Deauville in November and has remained
consistent/competitive under a 3,5kg penalty – was 4th in a 1300m handicap there and 2nd in a
1400m turf claimer at Saint-Cloud on his reappearance recently (16 March)
6. FORCHESTER – Won a Quinté+ over 1600m on PSF at Cagnes-sur-Mer in January before
finishing 5th on very heavy ground in a 1400m claimer on turf at Saint-Cloud under a 3,5kg
penalty on 16 March. Needs to reaffirm
7. TUMBLER – Changed hands after an encouraging last-start 2nd on heavy ground in a claiming
race over 1800m at Compiegne on 10 March – subsequently joined trainer Nicolas Caullery.
Lacks references on PSF
8. TAIRANN – Consistent mare with sound references at this level, including a last-start 2nd in
the benchmark event, won by LE NOMADE (1), over course and distance on 5 March. Winning
chance on 4kg better terms
9. ZVAROSHKA – Unexposed, lightly raced filly who revealed considerable means in five starts
last year, including both on this course over the same distance. Makes handicap/Quinte+ debut
after a 4th here on 14 December
10. GRIEGOS – Consistent veteran with serious PSF references, including a last-start handicap
success over 1500m at Marseille-Vivaux, with the aid of Manon Germain’s allowance. Up 3,5kg
on his return to Quinte+ level
11. AMERA – Has won two of three starts this year, both handicap victories on this course – the
latest over 1800m on 1 March. Doesn’t enjoy the benefit of a rider’s claim now and carries a 4kg
penalty on her Quinte+ debut
12. ZALACAIN – Made a winning reappearance on the PSF at Pau over 1600m but struggled
(finished 6th) under a 2,5kg penalty in a Class 1 conditions race over this course and distance on
8 March. Others preferred
13. JOLI PRINCE – Impressive winner of his penultimate start in a 1900m PSF handicap on this
course last month but struggled under a penalty when only 9th in a Quinte+ on this course over
that distance. Dark horse 14. FRENCH CONTE – Unreliable but capable veteran handicapper with references at this level
off a higher mark. Absent since finishing 9th in Quinte+ handicap over track and trip on 12
December
15. STAR ROCK – Debut winner over 1500m on PSF at Deauville in 2021 and performed
consistently for most of 2022 but raced only once last year, finishing 2nd in a minor 1600m
conditions race at Lignières in October. Watch for now
16. NORDESTE – Didn’t go unnoticed when finishing 6th in the reference race over course and
distance on 5 March and is capable of posing more of a threat from a favourable starting stall.
Dark horse
Summary: Ultra-consistent TAIRANN (8) confirmed the improvement of her previous start (3rd)
by finishing an excellent 2nd last time in the Prix Jocker, a key reference race over this course
and distance, proving her competitiveness off this mark and at this level. She wouldn’t be winning
out of turn and need only perform to that level to score an overdue first success on French soil.
She will, however, have to thwart the likely challenge of last-start scorer SHINNING OCEAN (2),
a course-and-distance Quinté+ winner, and BIG LOG (3), who caught the eye when finishing 3rd
behind the selection on his return to this distance last time. The winner that day, LE NOMADE
(1), has seen his task made complicated by a resultant penalty but is capable of acquitting
himself competitively nonetheless. NORDESTE (16), 6th in the benchmark event, and BULLACE
(4) complete the shortlist.
SELECTIONS
TAIRANN (8) – SHINNING OCEAN (2) – BIG LOG (3) – LE NOMADE (1)
R6 – PRIX DU BOSQUET DE THESEE – 2000m (a1m 1/4) – TURF – Maiden – Flat – EUR € 27,000
1. DARBASAN – Didn’t go unnoticed when finishing 6th on debut over 1600m at Saint-Cloud on 7
March and is likely to improve stepped up to this distance with the benefit of that experience.
Dark horse
2. TAMYZ – The subject of strong betting support on debut when finishing 4th over 1900m on the
PSF at Deauville. Would’ve strengthened/improved significantly over the winter so warrants
respect on his reappearance
3. KELBOFRER – Absent since finishing a well-beaten 8th over 1800m on debut at
Fontainebleau on 25 November. Watch for now
4. SAIDI EL FAL – Highly regarded Lope De Vega colt likely to improve after an encouraging
debut 3rd over 1900m on PSF on 1 March. Closely matched on that form with BLUE BROTHER
(8)
5. KENSTILL – Improved with the benefit of an introductory outing (11th) on PSF in January to
finish 4th over 2200m at Fontainebleau on 2 March – held on that form by INTERNAUTE (11)
6. GATTOPARDO – Has made two starts on the PSF at this venue and finished 2nd in both – on
debut over 1800m last year and over 1900m on his reappearance last month (23 February).
Open to improvement switched to turf
7. KING TREZY – Improved for the experience of his 1600m PSF debut (5th) at this venue by
finishing 3rd over 1950m on the turf at Le Mans on 11 March. More needed to be competitive but
has scope for further progress
8. BLUE BROTHER – Caught the eye when finishing 2nd, between two highly regarded colts, on
debut at Chantilly on the PSF over 1900m on 1 March. Would have gained plenty from that
experience
9. OSCAR – Likely to improve with the benefit of an introductory outing under his belt. Finished
7th over 1600m on the PSF at this venue on 9 February – one to keep an eye on
10. MYSTERY TRAIN – Improved with the experience of his debut (9th) to finish 2nd in a 1400m
Compiegne claimer and 1600m conditions race at Clairefontaine. Finished 15th in a 1400m
Quinte+ on PSF at Chantilly since (18 March)
11. INTERNAUTE – Regally bred Sea The Stars colt out of Solemia. Confirmed the promise of his
debut 4th last year with an encouraging 2nd on his reappearance over 2200m at Fontainebleau
on 2 March – is the horse to beat
12. SAVANNENSTERN – André Fabre-trained Cloth Of Stars colt making his competitive race
debut after a ‘schooling’ race. Hugo Besnier rides
Summary: Regally bred INTERNAUTE (11), by 2009 Arc winners Sea The Stars out of 2012 Arc
winner Solemia, confirmed the promise of his debut 4th last year by finishing 2nd on his
reappearance and ought to open his account with improvement expected. Both BLUE BROTHER
(8) and SAIDI EL FAL (4) would have benefited from the experience of encouraging PSF
introductions, so could improve to pose a threat. Newcomer SAVANNENSTERN (12), with the
advantage of an AFASEC ‘school’ race under his belt, and another likely improver in TAMYZ (2)
are others to consider.
SELECTIONS
INTERNAUTE (11) – BLUE BROTHER (8) – SAIDI EL FAL (4) – SAVANNENSTERN (12)
R7 – PRIX DU CHENE POUILLEUX – 1900m (a1m 1/4) – ALL WEATHER – Class 3 Claiming – Flat – EUR € 19,000
1. PATRICK SARSFIELD – Undefeated in two starts for this stable since returning to French soil,
including a course-and-distance claimer on 23 February. Can win again with Dorian Provost’s
handy 2,5kg allowance
2. IT’S ALL A DREAM – Well-performed veteran with 11 wins from 52 starts and references at
this level, including a 3rd on this track over 1600m in December. Didn’t go unnoticed when 6th in
a 1400m handicap here on 1 March
3. PLAIN BEAU – Proven in the claiming category and confirmed as much by bouncing back to
form with a reassuring 4th in an 1800m turf claimer at Compiegne on 10 March. Has the means
to make his presence felt
4. ALREHB – Consistent for the most part and is capable of better than his last-start 6th in an
1800m conditions race (29 February) on this course suggests. Dangerous to discount in his first
start at this level
5. SHANAKILL – At the top of his game after winning three of his last four starts (finished 2nd in
the other), including consecutive 2000m PSF races at Cagnes recently – the latest a claimer on
19 February. Will pose a threat
6. HUTTON – Lightly raced colt, won on debut over 2100m on the PSF at Mons in December but
been soundly beaten in both appearances on French soil – the latest (7th) at Fontainebleau over
3000m on 15 March
7. ARCACHON – Won a 2400m handicap at Saint-Cloud in October but has struggled to remain
consistent/competitive under a penalty since (14th in a 2500m Quinte+ on PSF at Deauville on 26
January). Can do better here
8. CAP FAREWELL – Achieved his only victory in a handicap over this course and distance in
October last year. Inconsistent since and was a well-beaten 11th in a 2400m PSF handicap at
Pornichet on 2 March – watch for now
9. RIYAK – Finished unplaced in both PSF handicaps under a 3kg penalty for winning an 1800m
Le Croisé-Laroche handicap in October. Absent since his last-start 6th in an 1800m handicap at
Lyon-La Soie in November
10. PAYAM – Showed promise in both 2022 outings but was sparingly raced and appeared to
lose his way last year. Made no impression (9th) on his reappearance in a 2200m claimer at
Fontainebleau on 6 March – ignore
11. CHIEF MAMBO – Inconsistent veteran gelding, showed signs of a return to form dropped to
his current mark by finishing an improved 4th in a 2500m PSF handicap at Deauville on 18
November. Best watched for now
12. MATT MACHINE – Consistent for the most part and seldom far off the mark in handicaps and
claimers on this surface. Didn’t go unnoticed when finishing 4th in a 1600m PSF claimer at
Cagnes on 23 January
Summary: PATRICK SARSFIELD (1) is undefeated under Edouard Monfort’s tutelage and
seems good value to remain so, given Dorian Provost’s handy 2,5kg allowance. He will, however,
be tested by SHANAKILL (5) who has been in irresistible form at Cagnes recently, and PLAIN
BEAU (3), whose competitiveness at this level is beyond doubt. IT’S ALL A DREAM (2) and
ALREHB (4) complete the shortlist.
SELECTIONS
PATRICK SARSFIELD (1) – SHANAKILL (5) – PLAIN BEAU (3) – IT’S ALL A DREAM (2)
