LONGCHAMP

3:20 PRIX GANAY-40EME ANNIVERSAIRE AIR MAURITIUS (GROUP 1) (4YO+) (4yo+) 1m2½f

ZAMBEZI SUN 9-2 ~ Flattered by his win in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris last season given all the trouble in running. However there was nothing wrong with his close third next time out in the Prix Niel, behind Soldier Of Fortune. That was his best performance last season and a reproduction of that form will make him hard to beat. He was slightly hampered in the Arc when finishing 8th but although he can probably be judged to be a little better than the bare form he wouldn’t have troubled the principles. He has only faced ground this testing once, when winning on debut, so there must be question marks over how he will handle conditions in this company.

SAGEBURG 9-2 ~ Hype horse for last seasons Arc but he was comfortably held by Zambezi Sun in the Prix Niel. His reputation was then further tarnished when comfortably beaten in a Group 2 over course and distance at the Arc meeting. He has since changed yards and moved from Andre Fabre to Alan Royer-Dupre. Only hope is that he has improved considerably for new connections but little else to encourage that he can win today.

SPIRIT ONE 9-2 ~ Short of top class last season as a 3yo and was well held in the French Derby, French 2000 Guineas and Prix Niel. He does well in lesser company and has done well in two races so far this season. He has proven he handles conditions and has the benefit of proven fitness so he should run his race. However seriously doubts about whether he has the class to win today and will need at least a couple to under perform.

DUKE OF MARMALADE 9-2 ~ All the colts 6 runs last season came in Group 1 races and he performed consistently in every race. He has proven himself over todays trip in the Juddmonte International Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes. All his runs had been in good or faster ground but on his last run at Ascot in the QEII he proved he is equally effective on soft ground. A versatile sort he has to be respected in this company and is sure to run with credit. However the form of the yard is a concern with only 2 wins and a 5% strike rate in April. The stables runners have appeared to have been in need of the run so far this season which has to be is a concern.

SADDEX 9-2 ~ The German raider managed to finish 6th in last seasons Arc after being unbeaten in three Group races as a 4yo. Soft ground suits the horse with a 3-3 race to win record in races where the ground has been described as Soft, so todays conditions are likely to be right up his street. Todays trip shouldn’t be a concern in the conditions and he has won on his last two seasonal reappearances so he can go well fresh. Everything looks to be in his favour today and he has to enter calculations.

ANNA PAVLOVA 8-13 ~ Richard Faheys mare won a Group 2 at last seasons Arc meeting but that wasn’t the greatest of races for the grade. She has proven form fresh and in the race conditions so everything looks to be in her favour. However although she is sure to run her race she lacks the class of some of the colts.

MRS LINDSAY 8-13 ~ 2nd in the French Oaks but reversed form with the winner West Wind in the Prix Vermeille Lucien Barriere. Not due in one small part to another enterprising ride from Johnny Murtagh who left the field flat footed when quickening up the pace. The filly was sent to America next where she won a Group 1 but it wasn’t the greatest of races for the grade. Clearly a talented filly though she has to be respected in this company. However all her form has on a fast surface so it remains to be seen how she will handle the testing ground on her seasonal reappearance.

CONCLUSION

An interesting little Group 1 for this part of the season with last seasons Arc form represented and several other solid Group 1 performers.
The ground leaves Zambezi Sun and Mrs Lindsay with serious question marks hanging over their chances. The form of the stable tempers enthusiasm about Duke Of Marmalade so preference is for German raider Saddex. He is sure to relish this testing ground and having gone well fresh before he should be able to show his class.

1pt WIN – SADDEX @ 12/1

RESULT

SADDEX 2nd = -1pt