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France Form Sheet – 26th May
Race Preview
R1 – PRIX HENRI ET MAURICE DE LAGENESTE – 2700m (a1m1/2) – TURF – Condition Race – Flat – EUR € 27,500
1. JEU DE JAMBES – Has consistent form on the flat of late and was 2nd last time over hurdles
at Moulins on May 5th. He won a Group 3 AQ race at Saint-Cloud on April 19th over 2500m.
Player
2. JEANNETTE – 4th two runs back over 3200m at Lyon La Soie on December 18th, won before
that at Pornichet on November 16th over 2400m. One to consider
3. JOE L’AUDACE – Unplaced last time, won before that over 3000m at Le Lion D’Angers on
April 1st by 4L. Ought to be in the shake-up
4. KATE TO WIN – Nice 2nd last time at Nantes over 2400m on May 6th and can once again give
a good account of herself
5. KARINA SWEEN – Three unplaced runs of late, 2nd before that at Moulins over 2400m in a
Group 3 AQ race on September 17th. Has work to do
6. KEL ESPOIR EN JEU – 4th two runs ago in a Group 3 AQ race over 2500m at Saint-Cloud on
March 28th. Can not be overlooked
7. KIKEA DU MOU – Won two runs ago over 3000m at Angers on November 22nd. Not up to
Group 3 AQ Class last time in mid-April. Opposable
8. KEFIR D’AIRY – Unplaced last time, 3rd before that over 2400m on the PSF on January 18th.
Won on debut at Pau in December. Looks vulnerable
9. JIANG LI – 3rd last time over 2800m at Moulins in a conditions race on May 20th. Others make
more appeal
10. JOLLY WAY – Credible 2nd last time over 3000m on April 1st behind JOE L’AUDACE (3)
when beaten by 4L. Can not be discounted
11. JOYFUL VOICE – Unplaced last time, 3rd before that over 2450m at Cluny on April 13th on
her debut. Can be overlooked
Summary: JEU DE JAMBES (1) won a Group 3 AQ race at Saint-Cloud on his latest run on the
flat on April 19th and looks like he will be too smart for his rivals. KATE TO WIN (4) could be the
one that makes the selection work hard for success. JOE L’AUDACE (3) won well by four lengths
last time at Le Lion D’Angers last month and is one to include in all of the place bet permutations.
JOLLY WAY (10) heads the remainder.
SELECTIONS
JEU DE JAMBES (1) – KATE TO WIN (4) – JOE L’AUDACE (3) – JOLLY WAY (10)
R2 – PRIX DE DREUILLE – 3000m (a2m) – TURF – Maiden Race – Flat – EUR € 13,000
1. RIO GRANDE – Ignore last run over 2000m at Lyon Parilly as has shown that can do way
better. Good chance
2. JUWEL – Finished only 7th last time over 2500m in a Handicap at Nancy and will need to serve
up plenty more than that for the win
3. FUTURE – Will need to improve plenty on current form and is very hard to make a case for.
Dismiss from all bets
4. KELLER DODVILLE – Attractive 3rd in penultimate, finished 5th over 2900m at Clairefontaine
on the 20th of October last year. May need but can still win
5. KANSAS DU SEUIL – Looking at current form, is very hard to fancy and she is also very
erratic. Unlikely to win and can be passed by
6. RUE D’ALBRET – Improved a lot to notch up a 3rd over 2300m at Angers on the 4th of this
month and will have seriously strong each way claims
7. PRINCESSE TANGA – Caught the eye on debut when not far away in 5th at Saint-Brieuc over
2400m on the 9th of this month. Big runner
8. GATSBY GIRL – Has run well in Germany and could feature in local debut. An outsider that
can earn. Quartet possibility
9. TRILIA DU FOUQUET – Fair effort last time when 3rd over 2900m at Royan on the 8th of this
month. An outsider with a small place chance
Summary: KELLER DODVILLE (4) is lightly tried and already shown glimpses of ability. He is by
no means a banker but can certainly win this and is therefore the warm first pick. RUE D’ALBRET
(6) more than likely has plenty more progression to offer. Her second effort was very encouraging
when 3rd at Angers over 2300m. PRINCESS TANGA (7) finished just off them on debut in 5th at
Saint-Brieuc and can improve to get much closer. Bright chance. RIO GRANDE (1) can do better
and has a strong place chance.
SELECTIONS
KELLER DODVILLE (4) – RUE D’ALBRET (6) – PRINCESSE TANGA (7) – RIO GRANDE (1)
R3 – PRIX DE LA CELLE-SAINT-CLOUD – 2000m (a1m1/4) – TURF – Newcomers Race – Flat – EUR € 27,000
1. RAHIMA – Well-bred Dariyan debutante whose second dam was a Group I winner. Alexis
Pouchin rides for Pierre Groualle
2. HOPIC – Ludovic Boisseau rides this Oasis Dream debutante for trainer Jean-Christophe
Bertin, who also owns the filly
3. ZANZIA – Corentin Bergé takes 1,5kg off the back of this Armony Tinchon-trained Rail Link
debutante which will only aid the filly’s cause
4. STEP UP LADY – André Fabre-trained Kingman filly related to several black-type performers.
Will likely start favourite on debut under Mickaël Barzalona
5. PROUD LUCY – This Stéphane Cérulis-trained daughter of Taj Mahal ought to benefit from the
2,5kg allowance of her rider Mégane Peslier
6. LAVENDER LACE – Well-bred Lope De Vega filly who was withdrawn at the start of her
proposed introduction on 14 May. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard would’ve done his homework
with her since and Maxime Guyon rides
7. OLERON – This Markus Münch-trained daughter of Soldier Hollow is to be ridden on debut by
Luca Carboni. Keep safe
8. ISCREAMFORICECREAM – This Galiway filly is the first foal out of Victory Boom whose dam
enjoyed a successful career across the Atlantic. Trainer Jean-Marie Béguigné has engaged Marie
Vélon, who has a 1,5kg allowance – beware
Summary: André Fabre-trained STEP UP LADY (4) makes the most appeal in this opening event
for unraced three-year-old fillies and Godolphin’s Kingman newcomer is likely to put in a forward
showing on debut. LAVENDER LACE (6) is another well-bred newcomer expected to go well first
up for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who has engaged Maxime Guyon to partner his charge.
RAHIMA (1) and ISCREAMFORICECREAM (8) also deserve a mention.
SELECTIONS
STEP UP LADY (4) – LAVENDER LACE (6) – RAHIMA (1) – ISCREAMFORICECREAM (8)
R4 – PRIX DE NANTERRE – 2000m (a1m1/4) – TURF – Class 2 Race – Flat – EUR € 28,000
1. DE SICA – Outclassed on his reappearance in a Group III over 1800m at this venue on 7 April
but will fare better at this level with improved fitness on his side. Keep safe
2. KALET – Debut winner over 2000m at Saint-Cloud in March but failed to confirm that promise
when only 5th at Châteaubriant over 1950m on 27 April. Shouldn’t be hastily condemned
3. ROLLERCOASTER – First-start scorer on PSF over 2150m at Lyon-La Soie in March and
finished 2nd over 2000m in his next outing at Salon-de-Provence. Fluffed his lines when only 7th
over 2100m at Marseille-Borely on 10 May
4. SWANN – Made a winning reappearance over 2200m at Fontainebleau on 13 April in what was
his first outing on turf. Open to further progress
5. VEGAS – Caught the eye when finishing a staying-on 4th on the turf at Chantilly over 1600m
on 29 April after a comeback outing on PSF. Candidate for success with improvement expected
Summary: VEGAS (5) made the expected improvement after a much-needed comeback outing
to finish an eye-catching 4th last time out at Chantilly and is likely to fight for victory with further
progress on the cards. DE SICA (1), who finished 3rd in a Listed race as a two-year-old last term,
made no impression in an 1800m Group III on his reappearance but would’ve tightened up with
the benefit of that outing and should, given this ease in grade, pose more of a threat at this level.
His unexposed stablemate KALET (2) and last-start Fontainebleau winner SWANN (4) are likely
to make their presence felt too.
SELECTIONS
VEGAS (5) – DE SICA (1) – KALET (2) – SWANN (4)
R5 – PRIX VICOMTESSE VIGIER – 3100m (a2m) – TURF – Gr2 Race – Flat – EUR € 130,000
1. AL NAYYIR – Well-traveled high-class performer with strong top-level form. Hasn’t been seen
since finishing 2nd in the Group II Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan on 30 March
2. MAGIC MERLIN – Ulysses colt trained in Germany. Finished 4th in a 2800m Listed race at
Berlin-Hoppegarten on 28 April
3. SEVENNA’S KNIGHT – Impressive wide-margin winner of the Group III Prix de Barbeville over
3000m at this venue on 28 April. Will play a leading role
4. DOUBLE MAJOR – Won the Group I Prix Royal-Oak last year. Has a bit to find on recent form
after finishing a well-beaten 3rd behind SEVENNA’S KNIGHT (3) on his reappearance in a
3000m Group III at this venue on 28 April
5. SOBER – Held on the form of his Dubai Gold Cup 9th by AL NAYYIR (1) as well as the form of
the Group III Prix de Barbeville, in which he finished 5th over 3000m on this course. Outsider
6. SHEMBALA – Stretched out well to grab 2nd from DOUBLE MAJOR (4) in the Group III Prix de
Barbeville over 3000m on this course last time (29 April). Not taken lightly
Summary: Dubai Gold Cup runner-up AL NAYYIR (1) will be all the rage on his return to French
soil. SEVENNA’S KNIGHT (3) impressed when a wide-margin winner of the Prix de Barbeville
and could expose any chinks in the armour of the selection. DOUBLE MAJOR (4) and
SHEMBALA (6) complete the shortlist.
SELECTIONS
AL NAYYIR (1) – SEVENNA’S KNIGHT (3) – DOUBLE MAJOR (4) – SHEMBALA (6)
R6 – PRIX DE LA VILLE DE PARIS – 1600m (a1m) – TURF – Divided Handicap – Flat – EUR € 55,000
1. CLAVUS – Versatile colt with sound references in handicaps. Found 1900m too far when 9th in
a Quinté+ on PSF in March but set the record straight with an impressive last-start win over
1600m at Le Mans on 23 April
2. AQUILA VOLANTE – Ran in a Listed race at two and has maintained his form/consistency at
three. Has crossed paths with quality rivals but his opening mark is a bit high – finished 4th at
Marseille-Borely (1800m) on 24 April
3. CONTENTIOUS SOUL – Stayed on well to finish 4th behind CLAVUS (1) over 1600m at Le
Mans on 23 April. Meets that rival on 1,5kg better terms and has the profile to succeed in the
handicap category
4. AMORCITA – Won back-to-back 1500m outings at Cagnes during the winter and proved her
competitiveness off this mark (under a penalty) when 3rd in a Quinté+ over 1600m at Saint-Cloud
on 1 May. Not taken lightly
5. BELISE – An impressive/eye-catching winner over 1600m at Chantilly on 26 April against
female opposition. Now faces male rivals on her handicap debut but has scope to improve off an
unchanged mark
6. HAMLET’S NIGHT – Caught the eye with a fast-finishing 2nd on his handicap/Quinté debut at
Saint-Cloud on 1 May. Needs only to repeat that performance to open his account
7. ATLANTIC WAYS – A 5-start maiden with sound references and untapped potential. Runner
up over course and distance on her ParisLongchamp debut in a conditions race on 12 May – an
attractive outsider
8. TRUE VALUE – Has won three handicaps this year, earning a total penalty of 9kg. Steps up
considerably in class off of a mark 3,5kg higher after her last-start success at Le Mans in a
1600m handicap on 15 May
9. ARPENTEUR – Has established himself in the handicap category – finished 2nd in consecutive
handicap appearances before opening is account over 1600m at Saint-Cloud on 1 May.
Respected despite a 2,5kg penalty
10. LOVECAYAN – Acquitted herself well when finishing 5th over 1600m at Le Mans on 23 April –
behind CLAVUS (1) and CONTENTIOUS SOUL (3). Meets those rivals on better weights terms
11. PARRHESIA – Has only recently joined Anne-Sophie Crombez’s stable, following 2nd in a
1600m Saint-Cloud claimer on 10 May. Best watched for now
12. ABIAT – Caught the eye when running on from last to finish 3rd over 1300m at this venue on
9 May. Faces male rivals this time but shouldn’t be underestimated
13. BONNY WAY – Convincing winner over 2150m at Cagnes on 12 February but appears to
have regressed in subsequent outings (unplaced in both). Could only finish 7th over 2000m at
this venue on 9 May – drop in trip suits 14. BEJAR – Moved from Carlos Laffon-Paris to join Brian Beaunez in late March and has
continued to improve. She finished an encouraging 3rd on her handicap debut over 1600m at
Saint-Cloud on 1 May – dark horse
15. IBERIA – Wasn’t disgraced when finishing in midfield (7th) on handicap debut over an
inadequate 1300m. Proved her form, well-being and preference for the mile when 3rd over track
and trip on 12 May
Summary: On his Quinté+ debut at Saint-Cloud on 1 May, HAMLET’S NIGHT (6) ran on
powerfully to finish 2nd and need only repeat that performance to shed his maiden tag. CLAVUS
(1) returns to the handicap category with legitimate ambitions, having impressed over this (his
preferred) distance last time. CONTENTIOUS SOUL (3), on his handicap debut, last-start
handicap winner ARPENTEUR (9), who carries a 2,5kg penalty, and ABIAT (12), who ran on from
last to finish 3rd over 1300m on this track recently, are also competitive for a spot on the podium.
BELISE (5), AMORCITA (4) and IBERIA (15) are potential place-getters.
SELECTIONS
HAMLET’S NIGHT (6) – CLAVUS (1) – CONTENTIOUS SOUL (3) – ARPENTEUR (9)
R7 – PRIX D’ISPAHAN – 1850m (a1m1/8) – TURF – Gr1 Race – Flat – EUR € 250,000
1. MARHABA YA SANAFI – A 2023 Group I winner who has proved his form and well-being by
finishing 2nd in consecutive recent outings, the latest over 1600m at Saint-Cloud in a Group II
event on 1 May. Sets a very high standard
2. DOLAYLI – Acquitted himself well (3rd) in the Group II Prix du Muguet over 1600m at Saint
Cloud on 1 May. Closely matched on that form with MARHABA YA SANAFI (1)
3. HAYA ZARK – Consistent high-class performer unbeaten in two starts this year. Won the
1800m Group III Prix Exbury on his reappearance in March and the Group I Prix Ganay over
2100m at this venue last time (28 April)
4. HORIZON DORE – Finished behind HAYA ZARK (3) in both the Group III Prix Exbury and
Group I Prix Ganay at this venue over 2100m on 28 April. Has a bit to find
5. CHECKANDCHALLENGE – Finished a well-beaten 5th of 7 runners on his reappearance in a
Group III race at Sandown on 26 April. Needs to improve to make his presence felt
6. BRAVE EMPEROR – Well-traveled Group performer with sound references/form credentials.
Returns to French soil after a disappointing 9th in the Champions Mile at Sha Tin on 28 April
7. MQSE DE SEVIGNE – Won a course-and-distance Listed race on her seasonal reappearance
last month (14 April). Has sound references at the highest level, so should fight for victory with
improved fitness/condition on her side
8. BLUE ROSE CEN – Champion filly with an impressive resume. Won a Group I at two and
another 3 top-level successes last year – the latest over 2000m in the Prix de l’Opéra at this
venue when last seen on 1 October. Keep safe
Summary: A typically stellar cast assembled for the 2024 edition of the prestigious Group I Prix
d’Ispahan. In 3 starts this campaign, last year’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner MARHABA YA
SANAFI (1) has proved that he retains all of his class and ability. He won a Listed race on his
seasonal reappearance before filling the runners-up berth in Group III and Group II races over a
mile. On the strength and consistency of that form, he’s good value to reconnect with success at
the highest level. MQSE DE SEVIGNE (7) also won a Listed race on her comeback and is a
proven Group performer who will pose a threat. DOLAYLI (2), who would appreciate a fast track,
and high-class multiple Group I winner BLUE ROSE CEN (8) aren’t underestimated.
SELECTIONS
MARHABA YA SANAFI (1) – MQSE DE SEVIGNE (7) – DOLAYLI (2) – BLUE ROSE CEN (8)
R8 – PRIX DU PALAIS-ROYAL – 1400m (a7f) – TURF – Gr3 Race – Flat – EUR € 80,000
1. FORT PAYNE – The defending champion of this Group II title. Returns to French soil after a
last-start win in the 1400m Group III Ras Al Khor at Meydan on 2 March
2. BREIZH SKY – Consistent colt with sound references/form credentials, which include a last
start victory of a Class 1 conditions race over track and trip on 9 May. Should have a role to play
3. MOUNT ATHOS – Consistent British performer whose best form/references have been
achieved on PSF. Won over 1400m on his seasonal reappearance at Kempton on 27 March –
dark horse
4. YOSEMITE VALLEY – Runner-up in a Listed race at Cork on his reappearance and built on
that encouragement by winning a Listed race over 1400m at The Curragh on 21 April. Crosses
the Channel with legitimate ambitions
5. HALF HALF – Finished 6th of 11 behind BRIEZH SKY (2) in a Class 1 course-and-distance
conditions race on 9 May. Meets that rival on 1,5kg worse terms
6. NATIONAL SERVICE – Versatile veteran who showed his form and well-being on the PSF
recently, finishing 2nd over 1300m at Chantilly on 8 March. Place chance
7. ZOOM – Consistent performer who deserves his place in the lineup after finishing a close-up
4th to BREIZH SKY (2) in a Class 1 course-and-distance conditions race on 9 May. Not taken
lightly
8. EXXTRA – Won a 1200m Group III sprint in October and finished an eye-catching 2nd on her
reappearance at this venue in a 1400m Listed race, albeit against females only. Faces a tougher
task now against males
Summary: YOSEMITE VALLEY (4) beat a quality field, which included the excellent Jumbly, on
his way to victory in a Listed race at the Curragh recently. He should find this ParisLongchamp
layout much to his liking, so gets the nod in this Group II renewal. The 2023 winner of this race
FORT PAYNE (1), fellow last-start scorer BREIZH SKY (2) and consistent ZOOM (7) are capable
of seriously challenging the selection.
SELECTIONS
YOSEMITE VALLEY (4) – FORT PAYNE (1) – BREIZH SKY (2) – ZOOM (7)
