|
|
 |
|
COURSES à OBSTACLES
"FOCUS ON FRANCE"
|
|
| |
Analysis & Selections by
Christopher
Iles & the rØøk
Whether
it be "the race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we
will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied
horses participating each day and their
characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides
you with a winner or two each day, or even reinforces your own view on a
particular may even convince you to back some of those horses which we
feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims.
whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.
"I
do think the modern day racing jumps fans acknowledges that there is a lot
that we should try and learn about the foreign invaders, and I think we
had to do with the resurgence of point to pointing as a nursery ground
for
future chasing stars. Those
of you who know me
are aware that I do have a good knowledge of this
sphere, however I don't think with all the other things I do on the website,
I could do it justice. That's
how I got to know Christopher Iles, who being a regular visitor to France, has a very
good background on their scene can give it the focus I think it
deserves. I
know Christopher is contemplating doing his own website, however before he
does so, over the coming months, Christopher, (and whenever I can) will be
trying to keep you in touch with what occurring on in France. as well as
pointing some names to watch out for".
Auteuil, 12 September 2003
Ground: Very Soft
Yet again, the ground was most likely faster than indicated officially.
|
5yo+
hurdle (handicap)
|
3.3
|
|
|
2m2f,
£27760
|
|
|
|
Gold
Magic
|
|
83
|
|
Gwenn
|
1.5
|
82
|
|
Baléare
|
2.5
|
82
|
|
Fou
du Roy
|
4
|
81
|
|
Hurdle
|
5
|
81
|
|
Réal
Fan
|
6
|
80
|
|
El
Paradiso
|
10
|
79
|
|
Philastre
|
10
|
79
|
|
Héraklès
|
14
|
77
|
|
On
Y Va
|
16
|
76
|
|
Royal
Bric
|
>16
|
<76
|
|
Holiday
Light
|
>16
|
<76
|
|
Sète
Nain
|
>16
|
<76
|
|
Royalé Acadou
|
>16
|
<76
|
|
Mandrin
des Aigles
|
>16
|
<76
|
|
Samson
|
>16
|
<76
|
|
L`Avocat
|
*
|
F
|
|
Renagle
|
*
|
P
|
|
(18
ran)
|
|
|
The first valuable handicap hurdle of the autumn.
Some promising runs here from Gwenn (better known as a
steeplechaser), Baléare (making her handicap debut, and having shown no
shortage of speed in the past) and Real Fan who had been disappointing
for a while before running into form at Clairefontaine over the summer.
|
5yo+
chase
|
7.1
|
|
|
2m1.5f,
£13091
|
|
|
|
Turgot
|
|
64
|
|
Iryntzau d`Airy
|
6
|
61
|
|
Toile
de Maître
|
11
|
59
|
|
Jeûne Homme des Galas
|
14
|
58
|
|
Dear
de Beaufai
|
17
|
56
|
|
Doctor
Grey
|
18
|
56
|
|
Johnny's
|
24
|
53
|
|
Le
Bien Aller
|
27
|
52
|
|
Isaac
II
|
*
|
F
|
|
(9
ran)
|
|
|
Turgot had won a Grade I novice chase on his last
start, back in June 2001, and appeared at the time to have a highly promising
future. This was a very encouraging
reappearance, as he won this race very easily. We will find out more on his next couple of starts, and see
if he still has the ability to go right to the top.
Toile de Maître looked to have potential on his
first couple of chase starts last year, and this was his first real sign of form
after missing a year.
|
3yo
hurdle
|
4.4
|
|
|
1m7f,
£13091
|
|
|
|
Manguier
|
|
77
|
|
Zonza
|
6
|
74
|
|
Miss
Millenium
|
8.5
|
73
|
|
Capside
|
8.5
|
73
|
|
Horizon
de Toury
|
9.25
|
72
|
|
Royal
Internet
|
11.75
|
71
|
|
Fremlud
|
12.5
|
71
|
|
Baby
du Rheu
|
13
|
70
|
|
Maxou
|
17
|
68
|
|
Adison
|
23
|
65
|
|
Reasonton
|
>23
|
<65
|
|
Coroyale
|
>23
|
<65
|
|
Paladia
|
>23
|
<65
|
|
Le
Petit Faune
|
>23
|
<65
|
|
Heaven
Forbid
|
*
|
P
|
|
(15
ran)
|
|
|
A comparatively fast-run three year old hurdle won by a
nice prospect in Manguier, fresh from a couple of wins in the provinces
and representing the owner/trainer combination who made the frame in a couple of
decent juvenile hurdles over here with Lilium de Cotte last winter.
Manguier could be one to bear in mind for a winter campaign.
|
4yo
chase
|
8.5
|
|
|
2m1.5f,
£13091
|
|
|
|
Golden
Flight
|
|
57
|
|
L`Ami
|
0.75
|
57
|
|
Lord
Mirande
|
0.75
|
57
|
|
Lys
du Moulin Mas
|
2.75
|
56
|
|
Bayokos
|
3.25
|
56
|
|
La
Niçoise
|
5.25
|
55
|
|
Ameno
|
6.25
|
54
|
|
Lulumar
|
16.25
|
50
|
|
Ribot
Ouest
|
24.25
|
46
|
|
Lutteur
Collonges
|
26.75
|
45
|
|
L`Interprète
|
>26.75
|
<45
|
|
Gun
Blue
|
>26.75
|
<45
|
|
(12
ran)
|
|
|
An ordinary four year old chase.
L`Interprète `s last run over obstacles was in a Grade I hurdle,
and he is capable of far better than this.
|
4yo
hurdle
|
3.7
|
|
|
2m2f,
£18078
|
|
|
|
Katoune
|
|
81
|
|
Cheler
|
2.5
|
80
|
|
Black
Honor
|
3.5
|
79
|
|
Triple
Agent
|
3.5
|
79
|
|
Knock
Down
|
5
|
79
|
|
Sphinx
du Berlais
|
9
|
77
|
|
Royaléety
|
15
|
74
|
|
Grand
Sachem
|
17.5
|
73
|
|
Royal
Speed
|
21.5
|
71
|
|
Melbó
|
41.5
|
62
|
|
Première
Nouvelle
|
*
|
P
|
|
(11
ran)
|
|
|
No Nickname or Bulougun, but a number of top four year old
hurdlers meeting up in this. With Katoune
winning and Cheler finishing runner-up, it seems to confirm that those
two are the best young hurdlers in France at the moment.
If there is one with potential to improve, it is Royaléety,
top-class last autumn, who was reappearing from a longish break.
|
4yo
chase
|
4.4
|
|
|
2m1.5f,
£13091
|
|
|
|
Lady
de Vesvré
|
|
78
|
|
Lucky
Fast
|
1.5
|
77
|
|
Bartoldi
|
2.25
|
77
|
|
Alliance
Française
|
2.25
|
77
|
|
Tago
Less
|
3.75
|
76
|
|
Crystolo
|
3.75
|
76
|
|
Kokkola
|
6.25
|
75
|
|
Sir
de Sou
|
12.25
|
72
|
|
Lys d`Oudairies
|
15.25
|
71
|
|
Macao
|
15.25
|
71
|
|
Oudon
de Gravelle
|
>15.25
|
<71
|
|
Le
Petit Saint
|
>15.25
|
<71
|
|
Le
Luth
|
*
|
F
|
|
Lili
Bleue
|
*
|
P
|
|
(14
ran)
|
|
|
|
5yo+
hurdle (handicap)
|
6.4
|
|
|
2m2f,
£10597
|
|
|
|
Worldson
|
|
68
|
|
Pilitch
|
4
|
66
|
|
Fou
Rire
|
5
|
65
|
|
Lady
Argument
|
6
|
65
|
|
Flying
Tango
|
7
|
64
|
|
Espoir
des Pyrénées
|
9
|
64
|
|
Kissovo
|
9.75
|
63
|
|
Belle d`Herblay
|
9.75
|
63
|
|
Bidou
Redery
|
13.75
|
61
|
|
Pic
Rouge
|
14.5
|
61
|
|
Hedge
Fund
|
>14.5
|
<61
|
|
Golden
Spring
|
>14.5
|
<61
|
|
Hello
Roby
|
>14.5
|
<61
|
|
Breteuil
|
*
|
F
|
|
Curico
|
*
|
F
|
|
(15
ran)
|
|
|
Auteuil, 9 September 2003
Ground: Very Soft
Again, race times suggest the ground was faster than declared, ‘good to soft’ being perhaps more accurate.
|
3yo
hurdle (colts)
|
7.1
|
|
|
2m2f,
£18078
|
|
|
|
Fighter
Cat
|
|
64
|
|
Il
Manifico
|
0.5
|
64
|
|
Loco
Lindo
|
6.5
|
61
|
|
Créatif
|
9
|
60
|
|
Subtil
Poa
|
14
|
58
|
|
Descent
Destiny
|
*
|
F
|
|
Twice
Free
|
*
|
F
|
|
(7
ran)
|
|
|
The first two home had made their hurdling debuts early in
the spring, before missing the better races in late May and June.
Fighter Cat had looked to be progressing then; Il Manifico
had been unbeaten before this. Both
are in the same league as those who fought out the finishes of the more valuable
three year old colts’ contests this spring.
The fancied Descent Destiny looked certain to run
into a place when coming down at the last.
He has been jumping fences this summer, and should find easier pickings
going back chasing.
|
3yo
chase
|
5.1
|
|
|
2m1.5f,
£15584
|
|
|
|
Cyrlight
|
|
74
|
|
Rigoureux
|
1.5
|
73
|
|
Chriseti
|
16.5
|
66
|
|
Sybellius d`Artaix
|
18.5
|
65
|
|
Ruben
Bravo
|
24.5
|
63
|
|
Fari
du Preuil
|
44.5
|
54
|
|
Maria
de la Vega
|
*
|
F
|
|
Duane
|
*
|
P
|
|
Petit
Owen
|
*
|
P
|
|
(9
ran)
|
|
|
The first three year old chase of the season at Auteuil.
The first two home were stepping up in class, as well as making their
chase debuts, after winning over hurdles in the provinces.
|
4yo+
hurdle (unraced)
|
6.2
|
|
|
2m2f,
£16208
|
|
|
|
Ennemi d`Etat
|
|
68
|
|
Val
Devie
|
1.5
|
68
|
|
Lingo
|
1.5
|
68
|
|
Moissac
|
4
|
67
|
|
Les
Perrières
|
4
|
67
|
|
Starting
Line
|
14
|
62
|
|
Madrid
|
14
|
62
|
|
Alston
|
16
|
61
|
|
Le
Chatelier
|
18
|
60
|
|
Lights
Yellow
|
38
|
51
|
|
Boucanier
|
*
|
F
|
|
Villez
de Condé
|
*
|
F
|
|
Jorky
|
*
|
F
|
|
Djolmo
|
*
|
P
|
|
Reine
de Beaujeu
|
*
|
P
|
|
(16
ran)
|
|
|
A race for hurdling debutants aged four and over, though
there were none over the age of five running here, which is unusual.
It does attract some good runners – it was won last year by the former
top-class stayer San Sebastian, and Rodock was another former winner.
None of the first three here have many miles on the clock.
|
5yo+
chase
|
2.9
|
|
|
2m5.5f,
£24935
|
|
|
|
Azulejo
|
|
85
|
|
Saint
Réalisé
|
4
|
84
|
|
Scandor
|
4
|
84
|
|
Green
Turf
|
8
|
82
|
|
Kotkita
|
10.5
|
81
|
|
Eperson
|
11.5
|
81
|
|
Garde d`Estruval
|
12
|
81
|
|
Crow
Jack
|
18
|
79
|
|
Soyeux
de Beaufai
|
22
|
77
|
|
Jet
du Bosc
|
*
|
F
|
|
Holy
Joe
|
*
|
F
|
|
Kais
Rose
|
*
|
F
|
|
(12
ran)
|
|
|
Azulejo beat a couple of horses here who have proved
themselves just below top-class; he will find things harder when he steps up in
grade.
Green Turf had the beating of Azulejo last autumn as
four year olds, but was having his first run since. This was quite promising.
|
5yo+
hurdle
|
3.1
|
|
|
2m2f,
£11221
|
|
|
|
Choum
|
|
84
|
|
Hespoir d`Aurélie
|
2
|
83
|
|
Klévin
|
3.5
|
82
|
|
Ipso
Vallis
|
4
|
82
|
|
Kiléfou d`Airy
|
6
|
81
|
|
Sunny
Flight
|
7.5
|
81
|
|
Sun
Storm
|
8
|
80
|
|
Riverston
|
8
|
80
|
|
Urga
|
13
|
78
|
|
Imitek
|
14.5
|
77
|
|
Impact
II
|
>14.5
|
<77
|
|
Kalesso
|
>14.5
|
<77
|
|
Clever
|
>14.5
|
<77
|
|
Rhum
Raisin
|
>14.5
|
<77
|
|
Kabi
|
*
|
P
|
|
Saddler's
Times
|
*
|
P
|
|
(16
ran)
|
|
|
A race which is often used by the better chasers in France
as a stepping-stone to full fitness. The
form here should not be interpreted too seriously; Choum is only a
handicapper. Ipso Vallis
made a pleasing return after a while on the sidelines.
|
5yo+
chase
|
4.0
|
|
|
2m5.5f,
£13091
|
|
|
|
Joseille
|
|
80
|
|
Dustar
|
1.5
|
79
|
|
Dom
Halma de Valta
|
3.5
|
78
|
|
Dourakine
|
6.5
|
77
|
|
La
Ragoterie
|
11.5
|
75
|
|
Juge d`Estruval
|
14
|
74
|
|
Kandy
Ball
|
14.75
|
74
|
|
Dark
Steel
|
17.75
|
73
|
|
Jeux
Olympiques
|
20.25
|
72
|
|
Katoscann d`Airy
|
28.25
|
69
|
|
Jingle
Rose
|
*
|
F
|
|
Roxia
|
*
|
P
|
|
(12
ran)
|
|
|
|
4yo
hurdle (claimer)
|
6.7
|
|
|
2m2f,
£6545
|
|
|
|
Silk
Heart
|
|
66
|
|
Erdeni
|
1
|
66
|
|
Lise
de Mohaison
|
9
|
62
|
|
Maracaibo
|
11
|
61
|
|
Lolita
Chérie
|
12.5
|
61
|
|
King's
Feast
|
14
|
60
|
|
Le
Tholonet
|
22
|
56
|
|
Royalé Alisonne
|
22
|
56
|
|
Grapelli
|
28
|
54
|
|
Ludion
|
48
|
45
|
|
Little
Lucky
|
*
|
F
|
|
Danse
Neige
|
*
|
F
|
|
Purgeon
|
*
|
F
|
|
(13
ran)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This
page was updated on Tuesday October 07, 2003
at 03:53:53 PM
F OCUS
ON FRANCE
POSTING
TIME
Selections for Monday - Friday should be available after 9:30pm the previous evening, however on Saturday and Sunday due to other commitments won't be posted until after 8:30am those respective mornings unless otherwise stated. Hopefully this helps
|
Latest
Horse racing News
Success
Stories
AUTEUIL
Saturday, June 15th 2002
Grande Haies
d`Auteuil
Haies - The French Champion Hurdle {gr.1}
"Martin Pipe not only has got an outstanding chance of lifting the Prix RTL (Prix Hardatit) Haies, with Puntal, but he also has an even better chance of landing the Grande Haies
d`Auteuil, Galant Moss, completely transformed since returning to race in France. He was unlucky not to land the Prix Jean Granel (Haies) last time here over 4100m 31/2 weeks ago, when he made a bad mistake at the last, when still travelling well, allowing Spanish Wells to get past him on the run-in. Cristophe Pieux continues his association with Galant Moss, and having proven his ability to stay this trip (rarely run over in
France) he has definite place claims. The race should be set up for him by Vic Toto, who could go well if he stays this extended trip and Kimbi, (difficult to catch right, but decent on his day as he proved when landing the in Prix Leon Rambaud (Haies) {gr. 2} earlier this year, beating Vic Toto). Galant Moss' main threat though is undoubtedly Laveron, vastly improved since returning to France. This ex German Group winner easily landed his maiden here spread eagling a field in the Prix Hubert de Navailles (Haies) at the beginning of April. He then stepped up on this when landing the Grande
Haies de Printemps (Haies) (Handicap) here at the end of April. On that occasion, Laveron was handy throughout and quickened impressively when asked by Thierry Doumen between the last two obstacles. On his last start, he stalked Vic Toto before quickening to land the Gras Savoye Hipcover - Prix La Barka Haies {gr.2} here over 4300m. Despite the absence of Barracouda, Magnus and Le Sauvignon, this isn't too bad a renewal, ironically dominated by two horses who haven't shown anywhere near their true ability when they raced in this country. I would love to see Galant Moss win this, however Laveron has looked top class of late and I have to stay loyal to our "Horse to Follow".
Laveron
quickened up close home to land the prize.
AUTEUIL
Saturday, April 27th 2002
14:15 - Prix Sicie Haies.
Galahan; who was third on his most recent start here two weeks ago, Divine Gesture, (who bettered that effort when finishing second on the same card), Legend of Anais, who finished third on his second start over hurdles at Enghien, but who has been well beaten since, and Anissia a promising sixth on her most recent attempt over obstacles, make most appeal in this claimer ... Divine Gesture just gets the call
¦ ¹1èr CHOICE ¦:¬> Divine Gesture
¦ ²e/w alternative ¦:¬>Anissia
RESULT
1er - Divine Gesture
2ème - Anissia 10lengths
3ème - Legend of
Anais
6lengths
14:45 - Grande Haies De Printemps {Gr.3}
"Funny King, Sirius Parcs, Sète Nain, Laveron, and Isidore Ranson look the likeliest winners here. I expect a bold bid from the top weight Funny King, but Laveron (my selection) and Isidore Ranson may just be too good"
¦ 1èr CHOICE ¦:¬> Laveron
¦ 2nd Choice ¦:¬> Isidore Ranson, (e/w)
¦ 3rd Choice ¦:¬>Funny King
RESULT
1er - Laveron
2ème - Fils
d`Ecosse
3ème - Isidore Ranson
4ème - Sirius Parcs
15:50 Prix Amadou Haies {Gr.2}
"Saint Des Saints, a winner four times (three times in Graded company) since his inclusion in our website's ONE TO JUMP feature has to concede weight to seven rivals, including Great Love, Cybergenics, and Kotika, (useful juveniles in their own right); all of whom have suffered defeat at his hand already this term. This magnificent dual purpose juvenile keeps improving with each start, and unless he has an off day should be too good for these. Or Ou Argent who made all to win here last week may sneak into the placing
RESULT
1er - Saint des Saints
2ème - Great Love
3ème - Grand Match
16:20 Prix Jean Victor Steeple Ch.
"Holy Joe, Akarus, Passing Ship, Crin Argenté, Bacchus du Berlais, Fustrien du Paon, Argentat, Ian De Brion, Atacama, and Clayton appear to have the best chances in the next. Fustrien du Paon, who took the Prix Hauon here in March is just preferred to Holy Joe (sixth in the Prix Lutteur on his last start), and Crin
Argenté (The winner of the Prix Oural here in November, who makes his first appearance of the new year)"
¦ ¹1èr CHOICE ¦:¬> Fustrien du Paon,
¦ ²e/w alternative ¦:¬>Crin Argenté
RESULT
1er - Fustrien du Paon
2ème - Hurdle
3ème - Atacama
16:50 Prix Romantisme Haies
"Darius Quercus, Royal Standard, Kamillo, Baby Norm, Dark Steel, and Kafkaien have the best claims of those runners who line up for Division One of this hurdle event. Eperson, who won three times on the flat last season, will be strongly supported on the back of his promising fifth on his hurdles bow, however Darius Quercus, who beat all bar Cybergenics in the Prix Emilius (Hurdle) (Colts & Geldings) here last October gets the vote"
¦ ¹1èr CHOICE ¦:¬> Darius Quercus,
¦ ²e/w alternative ¦:¬> Kamillo,
RESULT
1er - Darius Quercus
2ème - Royal Standard
3ème - Baby Norm
AUTEUIL
Sunday, April 21st 2002
Prix Du President De La Republique
(The French Grand National)
"Innox, Hidalgo de la Prise, and Satin Turk appear to have the most obvious chances, however they are weighted according. At the foot of the weights Le Cid, who could improve significantly at the trip may cause a surprise. It wouldn't surprise me either if
Philastre doesn't put in a "big run here", and if there is an eachway bet here it is him"
¦ 1èr CHOICE ¦:¬>Le Cid
¦ 2ème Choice ¦:¬> Philastre, (e/w)
¦ 3ème Choice ¦:¬>Innox
RESULT
1st - Le Cid
2nd - Innox
4th - Philastre
One of five winning selections at the meeting
.le.
.hongre.
.noir.
DISCLAIMER:
In no way does "Furlong To Go!! guarantee that selections
posted above will win the specified races advertised.
They are merely an indication based on current form. Whilst
the selections, and advice are the basis by which we will
personally place our own bets, like you, any selections
that are backed, are done so at your own risk.
|
|
