A rather clear-cut victory from Fantasia Du Rock saved the day under an excellent ride from Charlotte Prichard in what was otherwise a frustrating day’s racing at Auteuil with some huge surprise results.
Although there was plenty to be taken from the performance of Nanosecond who ran well in defeat.
Sunday’s field looks much more refined and, although not at incredible prices, my four selections should really be getting the job done and I would even suggest a small Lucky 15 on them.
16:00 (NAP) L’Autonomie @ 8/15
L’AUTONOMIE has already shown us how class she can be having gone through her five previous runs unbeaten, including easy successes at the top level and she can stamp her authority once again here.
Trained by François Nicolle, who has been in exceptional form all week, the five-year-old daughter of Blue Bresil has been highly-esteemed by entire racing public in France. With her strong running style and very slick jumping, I see no reason that l’Autonomie should be beaten and it could be the David Cottin-trained Pauls Saga that gives her most to think about. Jockey Angelo Zuliani (who could have a huge afternoon) knows the mare extremely well and should keep things simple up front. Even at 8/15 she looks good – She’s is the French Annie Power for me!
16:35 (Next Best) Want Of A Nail @ 10/3
An absolutely beautiful filly that I have followed for a long time now, having occasionally had the pleasure of getting to ride out her brother Device (when I worked for Guillaume Macaire). Her siblings have all become absolute superstars in France, winning numerous Group Ones and I believe that it is only a matter of time before WANT OF A NAIL is at the very top of the tree. She will be ridden by Saturday’s big race winner Felix de Giles who should be full of confidence and has already built up an excellent rapport with this mare.
14:15 (Each Way) The Golden Boy @ 6/1
This is the French version of the Grand National and as such, it is very competitive. THE GOLDEN BOY has been in great form all winter winning two huge handicaps and this has always been the plan according to connections. He travels strongly and jumps like a buck, so with the assistance of the man of the moment Felix de Giles it is hard to see him not getting involved in this. The only issue I have is that he is carrying top weight and in a race like this it may make the difference, but I know connections are hopeful – and so am I.
14:50 (Dark Horse) Noble @ 4/1
Trained by David Cottin in Chantilly (whom I ride out for most mornings) NOBLE is a lovely unraced gelding who really knows his job, I see him galloping most days. As we seen on Saturday, in the fillies version of this race, there is a lot of barging and banging about. This makes Noble’s tough attitude a huge advantage in this. The yard is in excellent form at the moment and his breeding suggests that the ground should be ideal for this son of No Risk At All. I really believe he could take some stopping in the newcomers race.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Mick Fitzgerald: My 6 top picks for Auteuil on Sunday
- Ruby Walsh: I took that as insulting, that’s somebody who’s cheating
- Paddy’s Club Games: Try our NO FEE poker ‘home games’ for you & your mates
* All odds correct at time of posting and are subject to change.
