It’s a huge weekend of racing in France as Deauville kicks-off its two day ‘Guineas’ and there are a few horses I quite like on Sundays card.
I’m hoping my NAP should do the business with the minimum of fuss again, much like Spinning Memories during the week who was very impressive.
Unfortunately, my jumps selection Furimix ‘ran-out’ when the money was down, but I’m sure we can make up for that with another jumps selection at Toulouse.
14.50 Deauville – Ocean Atlantique (NAP) @ 4/11
Trainer Andre Fabre has not been in his usual brilliant form since the return to racing, but OCEAN ATHLANTIQUE could be well above the rest of these here. He was heavily backed when finishing second Pao Alto (who looked incredibly talented) at ParisLongchamp, that run looks a great benchmark for a race like this.
That day jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot found himself caught in a pocket against the rail and possibly forfeited first run to the eventual winner. If they had a better run the result may have been less clear cut. If he can settle better, and with a bit of luck in running, the incredibly well-bred son of American Pharoah should be hard to beat and will appreciate the step up in trip as-well as the better ground.
I do like Irska a lot in this race also, she is very progressive and has been excellently handled so far by her young jockey Hugo Journiac. She is the only filly in the race and her front-running style may be an advantage in a small field like this.
I can’t see her beating Ocean Atlantique, but she is a filly that everyone should have in their notebook.
15:25 Deauville – Beaute Pour Toi (Each-Way)
BEAUTE POUR TOI gave a great impression when winning on debut for her trainer Nicolas Clement at Saint Cloud a few weeks ago, in what looked a good race on paper. She has been supplemented for this contest and will be the most inexperienced runner in the field, but the fact a wise head like Clement has supplemented her into a race like this has to be a good sign.
I would expect her to still be a little green and her wide draw in stall 11 means she will possibly be ridden a bit more conservatively that she would be otherwise, but with the manner of that debut win I wouldn’t be surprised to see her getting involved here. That’s especially because stable jockey Stephane Pasquier takes over from the yard apprentice.
16.00 Deauvile – Way To Paris (Next Best)
Andrea Marcialis’ string has been in exceptional form, especially when his runners have been ridden by Pierre-Charles Boudot. The Italian trainer’s stable star WAY TO PARIS may not be favourite for the Grand Prix de Chantilly, but to me this race looks ideal for him.
The high-class grey made an excellent return to racing when finishing second to Shaman three weeks ago in a race that was too short for Way To Paris, who had rivals Villa Rosa, Royal Julius and Folamour behind that day.
Sunday’s step back up to 2,500m looks sure to help the colts cause and with only six runners, jockey Boudot should be able to set the fractions to his liking up front – although his task will not be made easy by Ziyad.
12:00 Toulouse – BIRDPARKER
Ran an excellent race at a much higher grade in Auteuil a fortnight ago and is now ridden by the much more experienced Kevin Nabet. The change in ground conditions should suit and that Auteuil form has been given a boost over the last two days.
I don’t think there is much to beat in this race and if the Jaques Ortet trained Birdparker can put in a similar performance he should be hard to beat.
* Prices correct at publishing but are subject to change except on our snazzy new bet widget which is bang up to date.
French tips summary:
14.50 Deauville – Ocean Atlantique (NAP) @ 4/11
15:25 Deauville – Beaute Pour Toi (Each-Way)
16.00 Deauvile – Way To Paris (Next Best)
12.00 Toulouse – Birdparker
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- Timeform’s 6 who can score at Deauville on Sunday
- All the latest racing previews from France and the USA are just a click away
- Horse Racing tips: Our Lucky 15 could make Deauville delightful on Sunday
