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Preview: Auteuil and Longchamp.
This weekend each code has programmed a feature Group meeting with Auteuil on Saturday hosting the G2 Prix Des Drags Steeplechase (4400m) and the G2 Prix La Barka Hurdle (4300m). On Sunday, Longchamp conducts the G3 Prix La Coupe (2000m) as the highlight.
Auteuil
For jumping enthusiasts, the Group One Festival weekend three weeks ago crowned a selection of new champions at Auteuil. This weekend Strong Group racing will continue on Saturday with two feature end of spring season races to be decided.
The Prix de la Baraka (G2) for five-year-olds and above is run over 4300m. An even field has been assembled with quality hurdlers engaged. Super Alex is yet to be proven at Group level, but he is an intriguing seven-year-old with a consistent record of just the one career win (at this course) and five minor placings from nine starts. Second at his past two races including last start over course and distance he may be one at odds to consider against proven Group horses including Becquarainbow, Garasil and Belle Promesse.
The Prix des Drags Steeplechase (G2) may consist of a small field, but looks a fascinating contest headed up by a previous G1 winner Let Me Love. Her course and distance record is two starts for two wins. Third up for this campaign she is now ready to win. Prix de President de la Républic (G3) Handicap winner Road Mix Tavel was good enough to contest the Grand Steeplechase de Paris (G1) last start (but fell at the water jump) and should be better suited in this level weights Grade whilst La Danza is racing well enough for a G2 success.
Complimenting the meeting will be a G3 and two Listed contests.
Longchamp
On Sunday flat racing will be at Longchamp with three Listed races and the G3 Prix La Coupe over 2000m for the four-year-olds and above taking centre stage.
Monty is a good horse up to Listed and G3 level. Go back to August last year he was beaten a nose by the reopposing Wally in a very strong G3 at Deauville. On Sunday he has his opportunity for victory at this level following a neck second in the Bordeaux Listed 100 Eme Grand Prix de Bordeaux two weeks ago and a Listed success at Toulouse in April. Monty is racing well.
Wally has been consistent for connections with a record of eight wins from eighteen starts with his best victory in the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club over 2000m, the race where he defeated Monty by a nose. He also finished 1L fourth in last years' Prix Ganay and managed a last start second in the G1 Prix d'Ispahan over the slightly shorter 1850m where he was staying on.
This race should be a good duel between these two horses.
Of the other horses engaged in the race, Baby Rider is two runs back from a spell and should be ready to return to his best. Good enough to race in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) last year he may be looking for a slightly longer journey.
A strong chance from England is the Paul Cole trained Majestic Dawn, a last start Listed winner at Goodwood. The trainer is a regular visitor to France.
