*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
The French Flat season is well under way now, with Group 1s virtually every weekend until the end of August. This weekend, ParisLongchamp takes centre stage as the Parisian racecourse hosts two top-class Group 1 contests, along with seven supporting races on the €700,000 card.
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With 92 runners on the card, there is a range of each-way options to be pondered over, and the two Group 1s in the afternoon look particularly clear from a punting perspective. My NAP on the card is on a reputation saving mission, but she looks well placed here and should be in the winner’s enclosure on Sunday afternoon.
13:33 Malavath (NAP)
Swept off her feet in the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, Francis-Henri Graffard’s talented filly MALAVATH has had her ambitions lowered and should be able to get her head in front on Sunday. Pitched in against older horses, the three-year-old is in receipt of a huge weight weight for age allowance and will carry just 53.5kgs (8st 5lbs) for Sunday’s Group 3 contest.
Second at the Breeders Cup last season, Malavath looked unsuited by the track and conditions at Newmarket but should find the gentle decent at ParisLongchamp more in her favour, on her first start at the track. Dropping back to 1,400m is a huge positive, with connections stating lack of stamina as an excuse after her Newmarket flop.
Despite going up against older, more experienced rivals, Malavath looks to have the edge on class and should sign yet another group winner for her trainer, Francis Henri Graffard who has been in electric form all week.
14:45 Prosperous Voyage (nb)
The silks of Marc Chan were carried were carried to Group 1 glory at ParisLongchamp last term, thanks to Angel Bleu, who scored for the opportunistic owner. This Sunday, Chan’s distinguished blue colours will be worn by the rider of Newmarket 1000 Guineas runner up, PROSPEROUS VOYAGE, who looks to have a prime chance as she steps up in distance.
Staying on all the way to the line, the dual-Group 1 placed filly looks perfectly placed to land a debut success this Sunday and will be ridden by Frankie Dettori, who partnered Angel Bleu for Chan last season. With the likely fast pace, Prosperous Voyage should be doing her best work at the finish of the 2000m contest, and with her Newmarket superior Cachet running so well in defeat, its extremely difficult to get past the chances of Prosperous Voyage on Sunday for trainer Ralph Beckett.
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15:25 Sealiway
He could well become my ‘cliff horse’ and I am most likely going to regret it come Sunday afternoon, however, I think that SEALIWAY may be better suited back down in trip. Winless since claiming the Champion Stakes last season, Francis Henri Graffards recruit has been unlucky this season not to be on the scoresheet and has the beating of his five rivals on paper.
I think that a more forceful ride over the unique distance of 1,850m should see him to best effect, and again like my NAP Malavath, his trainer’s form gives this selection a confidence booster. I’ll be shocked if he can’t reverse the form with at least Pretty Tiger, and with no State Of Rest to contend with here, it looks like Sealiway’s race to lose.
17:15 Percy Shelly (each way)
A tricky looking contest on paper, with the likely favorite Mirabad on a revival mission, despite being significantly higher rated than his six rivals. For this reason, I think it could perhaps pay dividends to side with the improving PERCY SHELLY, who comes into the race on the back of a win at ParisLongchamp.
Trained by Stephane Wattel, who is known to look after his charges in their early runs, Percy Shelley got off the mark on his third attempt and looked like the 2,000m trip may suit. A steady pace is likely and I think if Theo Bachelot can control matters from the head of the field, then Percy Shelly could put his course form to good use and out battle his rivals in the closing stages.
French racing tips on Sunday
13:33 Malavath (NAP)
14:45 Prosperous Voyage (NB)
15:25 Sealiway
17:15 Percy Shelly (each way)
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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