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Analysis
& Selections by THE ROOK - 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.
SELECTIONS
- For each race, we have given you who, in our view, are
the likeliest winners; (¹
NØ.1 CHOICE ),
as well as any runners who could run well at eachway odds; (²E/W
ALTERNATIVE ) .
Any runner from our features are shown before each race's analysis.
L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE et LONGCHAMP
Sunday October 07, 2001
12:55 Prix de L'Hermitage Barriere H'cap Divise
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T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Tofino (BEL)
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~> Nippon Pillow Cool
1:25 Prix du Cadran - Casino Barriere de Cannes Croisette (Group 1)
[1] Generic 6-y-o, trained by J-P Gallorini
[2] Savoire Vivre 4-y-o, trained by S bun Suroor
[3] Roli Abi 6-y-o, trained by F Belmont
[4] Speedmaster 4-y-o, trained by F Doumen
[5] Epitre 4-y-o, trained by A Fabre
[6] Germinis 7-y-o, trained by P Chevillard
[7] Royal Rebel 5-y-o, trained by M Johnston
[8] London Bank 5-y-o, trained by B Grizzetti
[9] Overtop 5-y-o, trained by A Depau
[10] King's Boy 4-y-o, trained by A Wohler
[11] San Sebastian 7-y-o, trained by J Dunlop
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Runner(s) mentioned in our "Horses to Follow" Feature :<>: ~~>Epitre
T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>Not the greatest renewal of the Prix du Cadran. This 2m-4f
event seems devoid of actual true stayers apart from of course the British challengers San Sebastian and Royal Rebel. If either of these took the race to their opponents they would surely grind them into submission. As neither of them are usually ridden that aggressively that seem unlikely. Savoire Vivre, absent since an excellent second in the 2000 Geoffrey Freer Stakes 414 days ago should go well, especially as this twice raced entire gave every impression of wanting a trip. Of the others Speedmaster, who won the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier in May, Generic, who has progressed from Handicap Company to Group class. (He took the Prix Kergorlay (Group 2) at Deauville beating Speedmaster) and Epitre campaigned at middle distance this term, but had previous looked a useful stayer in the making when winning the Prix Hubert de Chaudenay Casino Barriere de Menton (Group 2) here last September are others to note. I cant imagine Godolphin leaving Savoire Vivre shot of a gallop here, and with that thought in the forefront of my mind, i take him to land this prize. Epitre could go off at a nice eachway price, and he is the alternative selection
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Savoire Vivre,
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~> Epitre
2:00 Prix de L'Opera Casino Barriere d'Enghien-les-Bains (Group 1) (Fillies)
[1] Terre A Terre 4-y-o, trained by E Libaud
[2] Banks Hill 3-y-o, trained by A Fabre
[3] Tarfshi 3-y-o, trained by M Jarvis
[4] Nadia 3-y-o, trained by C Laffon-Parias
[5] Mot Juste 3-y-o, trained by E Dunlop
[6] Luna Kya 3-y-o, trained by JC Rouget
[7] Crystal Music 3-y-o, trained by J Gosden
[8] Zanzibar 3-y-o, trained by M Bell
[9] Silvester Lady 3-y-o, trained by C Laffon-Parias
[10] Rebelline 3-y-o, trained by K Prendergast
[11] Peu A Peu 3-y-o, trained by R Dzubasz
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T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~> Although Britain is well represented here by Mot Juste, Tarfshi, Zanzibar and Crystal Music. Banks Hill, so unlucky in her last two starts, does look a good bet here, if she gets this trip. Banks Hill form stands out here, She was unlucky in running in both the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buffard Jacques Le Marois (Group 1) at Deauville in August, as well as more recently in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Group 1) here last month, where in truth, her rider probably asked here too big a question in the ground. I can't see why she shouldn't appreciate the extra trip, and hopefully will be too good for her rivals . Crystal Music, behind the selection in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot looks the chief danger.
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Banks Hill
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~> Peu A Peu (GER)
2:35 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp - Majestic Barriere (Group I)
[1] Indian Spark 7-y-o, trained by J Goldie
[2] Nuclear Debate 6-y-o, trained by J Hammond
[3] Eastern Purple 6-y-o, trained by K Ryan
[4] Bahamian Pirate 6-y-o, trained by D Nicholls
[5] Final Exam 4-y-o, trained by D Weld
[6] Aramus 4-y-o, trained by F Castro
[7] Ishiguru 3-y-o, trained by A O'Brien
[8] Repertory 8-y-o, trained by M Saunders
[9] Kier Park 4-y-o, trained by M Jarvis
[10] Rushcutter Bay 8-y-o, trained by P L Gilligan
[11] Dananeyev 5-y-o, trained by C Laffron-Parias
[12] Do The Honours 3-y-o, trained by H Pantall
[13] Pipalong 5-y-o, trained by T Easterby
[14] Danehurst 3-y-o, trained by Sir M Prescott
[15] Ivory's Joy 6-y-o, trained by K Ivory
[16] Imperial Beauty 5-y-o, trained by J Hammond
[17] Dietrich 3-y-o, trained by A O'Brien
[18] Autumnal 3-y-o, trained by B Meehan
[19] Prince Cyrano 2-y-o, trained by S Williams
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Runner(s) mentioned in our "Horses to Follow" Feature:<>:~~> Kier Park
T.H.E. R.O.O.K :<>: ~~> A huge British contingent line up here for the Abbaye, however unless conditions change, only Ishiguru, an impressive winner at Leopardstown last time out, Danehurst, equally impressive at Chester, Bahamian Pirate, unlucky in running in the Diomed Stakes at Ascot last week, and Pipalong, (just behind him that day, but now relieved of the Group 1 penalty that held her challenge week) make any appeal, against the home challenge in the shape of Nuclear Debate, so impressive when winning at Haydock over six furlongs, and Do the Honours a progressive filly who won nicely at Deauville in August... It may go with this progressive fully, in fact don't be too surprised if the filly dominate this, as it wouldnt surprise me if Danehurst, Pipalong, (both of whom could be big prices on the Pari-Mutuel) as well as Nuclear Debate followed her home.
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE:<>: ~~> Do The Honours
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~> Pipalong
3:10 Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium Des Pouliches Royal Barriere (Group I) - Femelle
[1] Ya Hajar 2-y-o, trained by M Channon
[2] Starfan 2-y-o, trained by J Gosden
[3] Quad's Melody 2-y-o, trained by J Beguigne
[4] Danseuse D' Etoile 2-y-o, trained by R Gibson
[5] Kournakova 2-y-o, trained by A O'Brien
[6] Venus De Milo 2-y-o, trained by AP O'Brien
[7] Guana 2-y-o, trained by C Laffon-Parais
[8] Sue Generoos 2-y-o, trained by C Laffon-Parais
[9] Sulk 2-y-o, trained by J Gosden
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T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>It will be interesting to see how the two year olds handle the prevailing conditions. Quad's Melody has won on soft ground twice, both times over this trip. This may prove to be an advantage if she copes with the step up in grade. The same comments apply to Ya Hajar who won the Prix du Calvados (Group 3) at Deauville in August. These two, plus Venus de Milo who improves with experience, but appears to have something to find on form, Starfan and Sulk, (supplementary entries moving up considerably in class) look the dangers to Sue Generoos, who has only had the one start, but couldn't have been move impressive in winning by 5 lengths at Chantilly in September. That was on soft ground, and hopefully she'll handle the prevailing conditions here
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Sue Generoos
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~> Sulk
3:45 Grand Criterium - Lucien Barriere (Group I) - Males et Femelles
[1] Imtiyaz 2-y-o, trained by D Loder
[2] Bernebeau 2-y-o, trained by A Fabre
[3] Dobby Road 2-y-o, trained by V Dissaux
[4] Shah Jehman 2-y-o, trained by A O'Brien
[5] Rock Of Gibraltar 2-y-o, trained by A O'Brien
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T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>Rock Of Gibraltar will be popular here. He is the most experienced of these, appears to have the best form (no disgrace being beaten by Dubai Destination), and looks sure to stay ... or rather on decent ground anyway. If the torrential rain that hit Longchamp yesterday gets into the ground (it surely must have) there has to be a slight doubt whether he can handle this. Because of this doubt; Imtiyaz, (proven on heavy ground), Bernebeau beaten by the potentially useful colt Guys And Dolls last time out here over 7 furlongs in the Prix la Rochette Royal Thalasso Barriere (Group 3), and Shah Jehan, a $4.4m purchase who disapointed at the Curragh in July, but who may be better suited to this stamina test have to seriously considered. Bernebeau has plenty going for him here, and may outstay his rivals.
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Bernebeau
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>
4:30 80eme Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe Lucien Barriere (Group I)- Males Et Femelles
[1] Chimes At Midnight 4-y-o, trained by L Comer
[2] Anzillero 4-y-o, trained by D Richardson
[3] Sakhee 4-y-o, trained by S bin Suroor
[4] Holding Court 4-y-o, trained by M Jarvis
[5] Little Rock 5-y-o, trained by Sir M Stoute
[6] Idaho Quest 4-y-o, trained by H-A Pantall
[7] Hightori 4-y-o, trained by P Demercastel
[8] Honorifique 4-y-o, trained by R Collet
[9] Eyptband 4-y-o, trained by Mme C Head-Maarek
[10] Sagacity 3-y-o, trained by A Fabre
[11] Milan 3-y-o, trained by A O'Brien
[12] Anabaa Blue 3-y-o, trained by C Lerner
[13] Saddler's Creek 3-y-o, trained by A O'Brien
[14] Foreign Affairs 3-y-o, trained by Sir M Prescott
[15] Golan 3-y-o, trained by Sir M Stoute
[16] Diamilina 3-y-o, trained by A Fabre
[17] Aquarelliste 3-y-o, trained by E Lellouche
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T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>Sakhee, Aquarelliste, Milan, Golan, Hightori, Egyptband, and Diamilina, look the main protagonists, in what could develop into a fascinating renewal on the Arc. Yesterday's 'monsoon' will surely play its part in determining the outcome, even if as usual a fresh strip of ground is saved for the race. Connections of several of those listed will hope that the ground dries up as much as possible, and if as expected there is a decent pace here. Emphasis of stamina will be placed at a premium.
Sakhee the likely is without doubt the best horse in the race. If this were a ten-furlong affair, I think he would be a pretty short price to repeat the brilliance shown in winning the Juddmonte International at York putting Grandera & Co. in their place by seven lengths. His form aside that is top-notch, he was second behind Sinndar in the 2000 Epsom Derby and clearly has recovered from the leg injury threatened to end his career. His chance is obvious, however whether a strongly run twelve-furlong 'slog' on very soft ground, is really ideal.
Aquarelliste is capable of exposing any flaws here. She has won all her four starts and will come a lot for to win the Vermeille on Arc trials day where she beat Diamilina (herself a live contender here). she has a bit more to do here, but has the potential to do so … a potent turn of foot could be useful weapon in the final furlong today.
Plenty of British punters will lump onto St Leger winner Milan. He hails from the all-conquering Aidan O'Brien yard and clearly appears to be a different proposition to the horse, beaten in the French Derby. He has blossomed through the summer, and impressed in winning the Great Voltigeur at York, before running away with the Leger. The strong early pace here could play into his hands, and proven stamina, and turn of foot, will see him going close here if he gets the run of this race
Golan has changed from an electric miler, to a lazy middle distance horse. he clearly has the ability to win this as he proved when winning the Prix Niel however he may need things to go his way, and that cant be guaranteed in a race like the Arc.
Hightori, a parennial bridesmaid against the very best will be hard to keep out the frame if he repeats the form shown in the King George at Ascot, where he would have finished closer, but for being stopped at a crucial stage there.
He didn't impress everyone in his Arc trial but that was very slowly run which wouldn't suit him.
Egyptband, second in last year's Arc behind Sinndar has outstanding claims if returning to that form. however her form this year raises doubts whether she is as good as she was. That said her trainer wouldn't entertain this if she didn't think this mare could do herself justice
Amongst the others, Anabaa Blue, (held by Golan on Prix Niel form) has a bit to find on recent ground, Foreign Affairs (a most interesting runner first Arc runner for the immensely shrewd Sir Mark Prescott who surely wouldnt have supplemented him for him to race round the back of the field), and Diamilina, possibly still on the upgrade, if her form with Aquarelliste is reliable
I would love to see Sakhee take this prize, however common sense says the elements may have gone against him, and whilst he will undoubtedly go close here, he may be just touched off by Aquarelliste.
I wouldn't put you off if Golan, Egyptband, Diamilina, Hightori, and Foreign Affairs are your eachway fancies - last season's second Egyptband is ' my suggested', mainly because of the positive noises made by the stable. If you're looking a real big surprise, then you could do a lot worse than German raider Anzillero, winner of the WGZ Bank-Deutschland Preis (Group 1) in July, who is better his latest effort at Cologne suggests
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Aquarelliste.
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~> Egyptband,
³ LONGSHOT :<>: ~~> Anzillero,
5:15 Prix Casino Barriere De Biarritz H'cap Divise
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T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>
¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Gris Et Noir
² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~> De Haute Lutte (USA)
L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE et LONGCHAMP
Saturday October 06, 2001
1:15 Prix Horse Racing Abroad A Reclamer~ Distance : 1400 m.
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:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Naipi
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>Lit D´O
1:45 Prix Du Casino Barriere De Trouville H'cap Divise ~1600 m.
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:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Ne Coupez Pas
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>Beau Warr
2:15 Prix De Royallieu Hotel Du Golf Barriere (Group Ii)- Femelle ~ 2500 m.
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:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>Ranin the decisive winner of the Rothmans Royals Park Hill Stakes (Group 3) at the St Leger winner is sole British representative in the third. She has decent claims but may find Mare Nostrum, and Street Shanna too good for her. Street Shanna is a progressive three-year-old filly by Darshaan, who took the Prix de Lutece (Group 3) over 1m-7f at this venue in September. she should go well but may have to give best to Mare Nostrum who deserves to take a decent prize having chased home Aquarelliste in her last two starts
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Mare Nostrum
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>Street Shanna
2:45 Prix Dollar Fouquet's Barriere (Group Ii) ~ 1950 m.
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:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>Albarahin, Ekraar, and King Of Tara should fight out the Prix Dollar. King Of Tara showed good form with Aiden O'Brien before being sold to race in France with Francois Doumen. He may have found 1m-4f too far when sixth to Golan in the Prix Niel Casino Barriere d'Enghien les Bains (Group 2) and the reduction in distance here may see him take the spoils , chiefly at the expense of chief threat Albarahin from a team in tip top form
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> King Of Tara
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>
3:15 Prix Du Rond Point Casino Barriere De La Rochelle (Group Ii) ~ 1600 m.
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:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~> China Visit is an interesting runner in the next. Whilst he didn't quite the dizzy heights once held by Godolphin, he is a useful dirt horse at around a mile. China Visit was turned out looking well on his first race in Europe when finishing second to Tough Speed at Doncaster, having came to win his race in the last quarter, but was outpointed by the winner where it mattered. He should go well here but appears to a better horse on dirt and as a result it is hard to find any real dangers to Globe trotter extraordinaire Jim and Tonic, who should take this if anywhere near his best efforts
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Jim and Tonic,
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>
3:45 Prix Hubert De Chaudenay Casino Barriere De Menton (Group Ii) ~ Distance : 3000 m.
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:<>: Runner(s) mentioned in our "Horses to Follow" Feature :<>: ~~>Qaatef
:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>Walking Around, the subject of plenty of talk before the Prix Niel Casino Barriere d'Enghien les Bains (Group 2) , in which he finished fourth; Tailfeather, a winner of two from five start (placed in all the other three), Wareed, a creditable sixth to Alexius in the Gordon Stakes (Class A) (Group 3), and our "Horse to Follow" the progressive Qaatef, a decent third to Persian Punch at the Ebor meeting are the horses to consider here. There isn't any guaranteed pace so this could be very tactical. If they go a decnet pace I can see Qaatef scoring, however Walking Around appears to have most in his favour, and is selected to land the spoils
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Walking Around,
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>
4:15 Prix Charles Laffitte Hermitage Barriere Femelle ~ Distance : 2000 m.
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:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>Sayedah and Candice represent us in the seventh, but I think they'll struggle to take this prize Strawberry Blonde a course and distance winner gets the vote.
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Strawberry Blonde
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>Noctilucent (JPN)
4:45 Prix Du Casino Barriere D'hossegor H'cap Divise ~ Distance : 1600 m.
:<>: THE FURLONG POLE :<>:
:<>: T.H.E. R.O.O.K. :<>: ~~>
:<>: ¹ NØ.1 CHOICE :<>: ~~> Northern Shine
:<>: ² E/W ALTERNATIVE :<>: ~~>Satin Car
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