3 minute read
We look at the runners for the G1 Prix Royal-Oak, run over 3100m for three year olds and upwards.
Get Shirty
As a three-year-old, Get Shirty was the model of consistency with one success and six placings from seven attempts. On his seasonal reappearance in May, he stepped up 3000m for the first time with a success in handicap company at Chantilly and was gelded shortly after. A win in the listed Prix du Carrousel (3000m) was followed by a disappointing last place in the G3 Prix Gladiateur (3100m) and connections will be hoping Get Shirty can bounce back.
Good Question
Good Question has only raced twice over 3000m in his career and has shown some promise over staying distance, finishing fourth behind Call The Wind in the G2 Prix Kergolay (3000m) at Deauville. He's since struggled at listed level and may need to find more to feature.
Holdthasigreen
Winner of the G1 Prix du Cadran (4000m) at Longchamp in 2019, Holdthasigreen is a proven stayer and contender at the top level. The gelding has been racing below-par this season compared to previous years but his recent third in the listed Prix Scaramouche (2800m) suggested he is returning to better order. The extra distance may spark further improvement.
Hooking
A lightly raced four-year-old, Hooking steps up significantly in trip having previously raced over 2500m. He was gelded in July and has had one run since, finishing second at long odds in a handicap at Chantilly over 2000m. Significant improvement will be required.
Libello
Libello steps up into Group One company for the first time following mixed fortunes in 2020. His best performance came in the five-runner G3 Prix de Barbeville (3000m) at Deauville in May where he finished third behind Call The Wind. Libello returns after a break since June and may struggle against better rivals.
Mister Nino
Mister Nino is an up-and-coming horse who steps straight into Group One company after a useful second in the listed Prix Scaramouche (2800m). The gelding has shown considerable improvement during his four-year-old campaign and could sneak into a place at big odds.
Windstoss
An experienced campaigner, Windstoss is used to top level competition and has competed in twenty three stakes races throughout his career with three wins and ten placings. He drops back in trip after a solid fourth behind Princess Zoe in the G1 Prix du Cadran (4000m) and has been featuring in the closing stages of all the big staying races this season.
Princess Zoe
Princess Zoe is the rags-to-riches story of the season, having gone from placing second in a Navan (Ireland) handicap on her arrival from Germany in June to winning the G1 Prix du Cadran (4000m) at Longchamp. The filly continues to improve with every run and seems to excel over staying trips. She may prove hard to beat.
Subjectivist
Trained in the UK by Mark Johnston, Subjectivist won the G3 March Stakes (2800m) at Goodwood before struggling to make his presence felt in the G1 St Leger (2900m) at Doncaster when seventh of eleven. He seems to enjoy the longer trips and could be an interesting place contender.
Valia
Valia is a three-year-old filly with plenty of ability, having won the listed Prix de Thiberville (2400m) earlier in the campaign. She stepped up in trip for the first time when scoring by two lengths in the G2 Prix Chaudenay (3000m) and has the potential to be top-class over staying distances.