Dix to follow in French racing
Gary Sears picks 10 horses to follow in French racing
I’ve been through the notebook from last season of horses trained in France who could be worth watching for.
Due to volume of racing, I tend only to follow the Group race stuff in France so inevitably list mostly made up of horses who will probably be known to those who have a passing interest in French racing.
However, a couple in there who may be not quite so well-known and will hopefully give a bit of interest to those watching the French coverage from Monday.
FRENCH KING 5yo
Trainer H-A Pantall
Big improver last season before well beaten in the Arc. However, must have decent ground to show his best so soft ground that day no good to him. Get the impression he may be underestimated and worth looking out for whenever he gets his conditions.
HELTER SKELTER 3yo
J C Rouget
Didn’t get a great ride in the big two-year-old colt’s contest on Arc day but finished with plenty of running left in him after being held up in a slowly run race. Bred to improve over 10f plus and the French classics likely targets.
KHAYZARAAN 3yo
F Head
Beautifully bred. Kept away from soft ground and group company as a two-year-old but apparently very highly regarded and was impressive at Deauville in August in what looked a very good time.
MKFANCY 3yo
Mme P Brandt
Very impressive when winning a Group 1 at Saint-Cloud in October, seeming to relish the heavy ground. Had a run in March when beaten on the all-weather but probably came up against a good horse and up in trip, back on turf can fulfil his potential.
OCEAN ATLANTIQUE 3yo
A Fabre
Won by eighjt lengths on second start on heavy at Saint-Cloud though almost certainly raced on favoured strip of ground. Still looked pretty good and being American bred may be even better on decent ground.
PAO ALTO 3yo
C Ferland
Still looked bit green when winning listed race at Bordeaux but did power clear. Looked the type to improve a fair bit this year.
PERSIAN KING 4yo
A Fabre
Outstayed in French Derby last year and not seen again. Is back in training and will take all the beating in any mile race especially on fast ground.
SOUDANIA 4yo
F Head
Steady improvement last season before beaten on heavy on last start. Almost certainly wants better ground and should stay 12 furlongs.
TROPBEAU 3yo
A Fabre
Seemed to get outpaced in Cheveley Park though also looked green on undulating track. Not sure to get a mile but has plenty of improvement in her.
WALTHAM 3yo
C Ferland
Couldn’t have travelled any better and treated Group 1 winner with contempt on all-weather at Chantilly. Looked very classy.
Gary Sears’ bakers dozen for the Flat 2020 http://wp.me/p8e3Dl-3KW
