Chantilly 🇨🇵

Race 1 – Grand Prix Du Nord Listed Stakes

A small but select field where the André Fabre trained, BIRR CASTLE can gain revenge on Woodchuck following the latter’s victory in the La Fabuleux Listed Stakes. The son of Birchwood held on well under Simon Planque for a third victory in seven starts, but the slightly longer trip will suit the selection, ridden by Mickael Barzalona.

Race 2 – Isonomy Listed Stakes

Another small field but a fascinating race with added intrigue provided by British raiders, Go Daddy and War Chimes. SOSIE gets the vote following a taking maiden success over 1600M at this track. Beautifully bred by Sea The Stars, he betrayed his inexperience, appearing to jump the path in the early stage of the contest, but won with some authority from Atlast, also in the Wertheimer silks. The race is working out nicely with the runner-up winning next time, along with sixth placed, Seremeni, trained by Francis Graffard.

Race 3 – Prix Miesque Stakes

In an open heat I’ll take a chance on SHADY LADY returning to winning ways. The daughter of Blue Point, fourth on debut at Deauville, won the Prix de la Thierache at Compiegne two weeks later, and followed up with a stylish success in the Prix du Haras de Bouquetot (Listed Race) at Craon. The drop back to sprinting in this month’s Criterium de Maisons-Laffite (Group 2) patently didn’t suit and the extra 200M can see her in a better light.

Race 9 – Prix de Seine-et-Oise (Group 3)

A cracking sprint over the straight 1200M with TOMILA taken to spring a surprise for Arc winning trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget. The daughter of Siyouni remains relatively unexposed after 10 runs and has won two of her last three starts. She contested the Prix de Bonneval (Listed Stakes) this month and stayed on well for fifth after a slow beginning. On that running she has to reverse form with Amellata (2nd) and Forza Capitano (3rd) but entirely possible given her profile. Sporting the distinctive silks of Nurlan Bizakov, she won her maiden last year at Fontainebleau, on holding ground, similar to the current conditions and under today’s pilot, Cristan Demuro.