Start of the season in Auteuil

Auteuil, Monday, 28 February: The obstacle course in Auteuil kicks off the new season today. Among the eight tests is the Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre (6th race/16.45 h/135,000 Euro/4400 m), a Group 3 chasing race for older horses.

Starlet du Mesnil (Bertrand Lestrade) won the Prix Sytaj (Group 3) here on her latest appearance against Hacienda (Kevin Nabet), marking her most valuable score to date. She faces a number of form horses who made their mark in Pau and Cagnes-sur-Mer this year. Above all Happy Monarch (Angelo Zuliani) and Hasard de Brion (Adrien Merienne). The former won the Grand Prix de Pau (Group 3) and relegated the higher rated Eddy de Balme (Gaetan Masure) to third place. The Fertillet protégé was unbeatable in the Grand Prix de la Ville de Nice (Group 3). Le Mans (Nicolas Gauffenic) won over hurdles on the Riviera. His last appearance over the chasing jumps was in October in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Compiegne (Group 2), where he finished sixth. Bandero (Thomas Henderson) and Rosario Baron (Romain Jullior) are other promising meeting winners. Carriacou (James Reveley) did not get over the easy jumps in Pau without an accident. Last year he attracted particular attention with his two places of honour in the Prix La Haye Jousselin (Group 1) and in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (Group 1), both ahead of Eddy de Balme. Le Listrac (Lucas Zuliani) has so far run at vintage level, but should also play a leading role against the older horses.

Brewin`upastorm the favorite at Fontwell

Fontwell, Sunday, February 27: Six horses will contest the Group 2 National Spirit Hurdle (3rd race/15.50pm/£90,000/3870m) at Fontwell today. Brewin`upastorm (Aidan Coleman), who showed up last year, did everything right on his last appearance at Lingfield, defeating one of his rivals today in Darver Star (Keith Donoghue). The latter won a hurdle race by a superior 20 lengths at Punchestown prior to that. Monmiral (Harry Cobden) didn`t hit everything right in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Group 1) but still drew off respectably when fifth. He won two in a row last season. Allmankind (Harry Skelton) honed his skills for the big tasks ahead in the Petersborough Chase (Group 2). Guard Your Dreams (Jordan Nailor) and Botox Has (Joshua Moore) finish mostly placed but are outsiders in strong company.

14 in the Paris Marathon

Paris-Vincennes, Sunday, February 27: The longest Group 1 race of the winter meeting at Vincennes takes place today with the Prix de Paris (4th race/15.15/400,000 euros/4150 m). Davidson du Pont (Nicolas Bazire) and Galius (Yoann Lebourgeois) fought out the Prix d`Amérique (Group 1) between themselves, now the two stallions meet again for the first time. The Bazire protégé ran in the Prix de France (Group 1) and disappointed, as did Flamme du Goutier (Theo Duvaldestin), who finished third in the `Amérique` and is again rated more highly over longer distances. Etonnant (Anthony Barrier) may not be judged by his recent string results, winning last year`s `Paris` against Diable de Vauvert (Tony Le Beller). Ampia Mede Sm (Franck Nivard) is in the form of her life. She fluffed in the Prix Tenor de Baune (Group 2) of all places, which Galius used to win. The Italian is facing her toughest task yet. Gu d`Heripre (Jean-Philippe Monclin) has not yet found his footing after a long injury break, but continues to enjoy great confidence. Freeman de Houelle (Eric Raffin) runs his best races under saddle. For him speaks the strong hand and the long way.

Winter Derby with Alenquer

Lingfield, Saturday 26 February: The Winter Derby (3rd race/15.05pm/110,000 pounds/2012m) m will be decided at Lingfield`s all-weather track today. Forest Of Dean (Kieran O`Neill) won the Group 3 contest last year but has not raced since his unsuccessful appearance in the Wolferton Stakes (Listed race).

After a break of more than eight months, he will be joined by Lord North (Robert Havlin), also trained by John and Thady Gosden, who is making his comeback. He last won the Dubai Turf (Group 1) at Meydan in March. The Brümmerhof Stud bred Alenquer (Cieren Fallon) did not finish beyond midfield in Torquator Tasso`s victory in the `Arc de Triomphe`, prior to which the four-year-old finished an excellent honours behind Mishriff in the Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1). Fancy Man (Sean Levey) was convincing at the dress rehearsal. Superior by two and a half lengths, he gave King Of The South (Callum Shepherd) and Al Zaraqaan (Hollie Doyle) no chance.

Final Sir Polski and Quian in main event

Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saturday, 26 February: The Riviera Flat Meeting concludes today with an eight-race programme around the Listed-class Grand Prix du Department - Defi du Galop (5th race/15.50/70,000 Euro/2500m).

Peter Schiergen and Henk Grewe will provide a German contrast with Quian (Bauyrzhan Murzabayev) and Sir Polski (Aurelien Lemaite), respectively. The two stallions rehearsed here over three weeks ago in a `Classe 2` and only the Schiergen protégé put in a decent performance in fourth. Sir Polski had no scene in the field of six and followed in last place. The convincing winner was Castle (Maxime Guyon), who took three lengths off his nearest pursuers Good Question (Franck Blondel) and Ateem (Stephane Pasquier). Palus Argenteus (Anthony Crastus) makes his seasonal debut. He recently disappointed in the final leg to the Defi du Galop race series, finishing well behind Narcos (Mickael Forest), but should be back to his usual strength. Bakhchisaray (Sylvain Ruis) should not be missing from any consideration as a fresh handicap winner.

Final spurt in Meydan

Meydan, Friday, 25 February: The Dubai Racing Carnival is entering the home stretch and only Super Saturday on 5 March counts towards the meeting. Three weeks later, the desert spectacle comes to an end with the World Cup and its millionaire races in the supporting programme.

The Dubai Millennium Stakes (4th race/16.45/150,000 $/2000m/turf) commemorates the Godolphin charge that won the World Cup 22 years ago and the hosts are strongly poised to congratulate themselves at the presentation ceremony. Star Safari (William Buick) and Royal Fleet (James Doyle) are the names of the chances Charlie Appleby is in charge of. Volcanic Sky (Frankie Dettori) and Big Team (Louis Steward) saddled Saeed bin Suroor. Star Safari won the Zabeel Turf (List race) here safely against Marie`s Diamond (Rowan Scott), while his training companion lost honourably to Lord Glitters in the Singspiel Stakes (Group 2). The bin-Suroor protégés excelled here with two third places each. Integrant (Mickael Barzalona) came in fifth behind Star Safari, but the four-year-old was not beaten two lengths for the win. Many eyes will be on Burgas (Halis Karatas), as he travels from Turkey and won several Group 1 races there.

Hooker Berry and Havanaise the top stars

Paris-Vincennes, Thursday 24 February: There was little attendance for today`s main event at Vincennes, the Group 3 Prix de Nevers (3rd race/15.00/90,000 euros/2850m.) Just seven horses of 2017 vintage were left standing at the last scratch, although the fixture is open upwards to all winning classes.

A deterrent for some horses was certainly the fact that Hooker Berry (Jean-Michel Bazire) and Havanaise (Franck Nivard), two of the current best five-year-olds, were included. In the Sulky World Cup 5 Ans (Group 1) on the day of the Prix d`Amérique, the two exceptional trotters had a great fight for the victory, which the mare won by a narrow margin. Hooker Berry later won the Prix Ovide Moulinet (Group 2) against Hohneck, who finished fifth in the `Amérique`, and Hokkaido Jiel (Alexandre Abrivard), who brought the latter two to their knees in the Prix Jules Thibault. Huwaga (Nicolas Bazire) continued to improve in fifth place in the World Cup. Haribo du Loisir (Leo Abrivard) has earned his money one level lower so far, but is also expected to be up front against the top-class horses. Heros de Fleur (Aurelien Prat) is at home in the saddle business and, like the fresh `C` winner, is only one of the outsiders.

Prix Werner Baltromei in Cagnes-sur-Mer

Cagnes-sur-Mer, Wednesday 23 February: Another event takes place today in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The card includes eight races. The Prix Georges Sandor (3rd race/14.58pm/26,000 euros/1600m) is aimed at horses of Derby age. Gold Player (Alexis Pouchin) enters as a fresh track winner, but will have to improve on his score in the sales class. Zestful (Cristian Demuro) pleased in a second place engagement over dirt this year. A year ago, the Rouget protégé won at Lyon, where Cilantro (Maxime Guyon) was List fifth in August. Were (Christophe Soumillon) and One More Night (Maryline Eon) are busy place money collectors and even more conceivable in the front end than Sibuyu (Thomas Trullier).

The Prix Werner Baltromei (6th race/16.43 h/22,000 Euro/1300 m) reminds of the German success coach who had celebrated many victories on the Riviera. The twelve-horse handicap will see some of the participants who contested the Prix Jean Massard just three weeks ago. Muskateer Three (Maxime Guyon) and Johen (Theo Bachelot) settled the winner between them, with Lagoone Chope (Ludovic Boisseau) and Till We Die (Eddy Hardoun) surprising behind. Not far behind, Le Shalaa (Thomas Trullier) came away empty-handed.

Four-year-olds in Group 3 Trotriding

Paris-Vincennes, Tuesday, 22 February: Eight competitions will be held in Vincennes today. The best race of the day is aimed at four-year-old saddle trotters. The Prix d`Avenches (4th race/15.35 h/70,000 Euro/2175 m), which belongs to Group 3, sees the four first-place finishers of the Prix de Dozule, who were here 19 days ago at the same level under order, again.

The win went to Idaho a la Bruyere (Guillaume Martin) and not far behind lined up Iberik de Mongochy (Francois Lagadeuc) and Icarus of Citrus (Leo Abrivard) as well as Isildur Paulois (Jean-Yann Ricart) who followed at a clearer distance. The gelding, trained by Mansour Krouchi, was also the winner in the previous appearance in the Prix de Bellerive (Course A). Iberik de Mongochy, who was an easy winner against Idaho a la Bruyere in October, had to settle for third place ahead of Iena Dodville (Mathieu Mottier). Icarus of Citrus and Itro (Alexandre Abrivard) are prepared by Laurent-Claude Abrivard and are expected to be in the front running. Both recently made a `B` ride between them.

Boyne Hurdle in focus

Navan, Tuesday, 22 February: Sunday`s cancelled event at Navan will be made up today. The highlight of the eight-race event is the Group 2 Boyne Hurdle (3rd race/15.20/36,500 Euro/4220m). The press goes with Darver Star (Keith Donoghue), who currently won at Punchestown and was a good second in the `Class 2` at Lingfield.

Ronald Pump (Sam Ewing) scored his best result of the season so far in the Hatton`s Grace Hurdle (Group 1) when second to the captive Honeysuckle. He also relegated Abacadabras, already successful here, to third. In the following Christmas Hurdle (Group 1) Ronald Pump finished behind Grand Roi (Denis O`Regan). Longhouse Poet (Darragh O`Keeffe) underlined his good form with a handicap win at Gowran Park and is expected to be in the front-runners, as is Thedevilscoachman (Mark Walsh), who has been eye-catching with two placings. Ashdale Bob (Robbie Power) cut a very good figure in the Galmoy Hurdle (Group 2) when third.

Bazire victory at the start?

Paris-Vincennes, Monday, 21 February: Today`s eight-race event on the Plateau de Gravelle kicks off with the Prix de Bracieux (1st race/13.50 h/44,000 Euro/2850 m), the highest class of the day.

The `Course-D` portion appeals to six- to eight-year-old stallions/geldings that have not yet won 153,000 euros. Gigolo Lover (Jean-Michel Bazire) is one of the participants with the best form. The six-year-old won here on New Year`s Day against, among others, the higher rated Gin Tonic Duran (Gabriel Angel Pou Pou) and a fortnight ago he came in as a good `B` third. Two wins in a row speak for Gourou (Mathieu Mottier). In the latest triumph, the gelding was traded at triple-digit odds Mister Donald (Björn Goop), M.T.Oscar (Adrien Lamy) and Bordeaux S. (Paul Philippe Ploquin) lost out to the Mottier protégé, but performed well in the front third. Zadec del Ronco (Gabriele Gelormini) is a blank slate in France, but should play a leading role based on his form. Marvellous Tooma (Eric Raffin) has seen quite different opponents. With the French drivers` champion, he can be expected to win.

Boyne Hurdle in focus

Navan, Sunday 20 February: The first highlight of today`s eight-race meeting at Navan is the Group 2 Boyne Hurdle (3rd race/15.20/€36,500/4220m). The Press goes with Darver Star (Keith Donoghue), who currently won at Punchestown and was a good second in the `Class 2` at Lingfield.

Ronald Pump (Sam Ewing) scored his best result of the season so far in the Hatton`s Grace Hurdle (Group 1) when second to the captive Honeysuckle. He also relegated Abacadabras, already successful here, to third. In the following Christmas Hurdle (Group 1) Ronald Pump finished behind Grand Roi (Denis O`Regan). Longhouse Poet (Darragh O`Keeffe) underlined his good form with a handicap win at Gowran Park and is expected to be in the front-runners, as is Thedevilscoachman (Mark Walsh), who has been eye-catching with two placings. Ashdale Bob (Robbie Power) cut a very good figure in the Galmoy Hurdle (Group 2) when third.

Aviateur and Shinning Ocean with good chances

Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saturday, 19 February: The Prix Saonois (6th race/16.25 h/52,000 Euro/1600 m), which is part of the Listed class, has a high quality field today on the Riviera. German chances are plentiful.

Trained by Jean-Pierre Carvalho for the German Racing Club, Aviateur (Stephane Pasquier) immediately catches the eye. In his most recent test here in a `Classe 2` he lived up to expectations when second, and before that he won in Deauville by a slightly longer distance. Marian-Falk Weissmeier`s Shinning Ocean (Delphine Santiago) would have deserved to win after two honours, but will meet Shafaaf (Cristian Demuro), who clearly gave him a run for his money last time out. Dar Toungi (Gerald Mosse) pleased behind not far beaten. The Dabirsim son was also better than the Reynier protégé on his previous appearance. Zavaro (Aurelien Lemaitre) did not play a role in that match and continues to wait for a sense of achievement since his fourth place in Düsseldorf. Bellharbour Music (Ioritz Mendizabal) ended last year`s season early after two magnificent victories. According to the performances shown so far, the Botti representative should be among the front runners. Wonder Boy (Theo Bachelot), like Legionario (Vaclav Janacek), Doctor Carl (Christophe Soumillon) and Nordeste (Anthony Crastus), is equipped with recent victories and can be counted on for the surprise.

Shahama hard to beat in UAE Oaks

Meydan, Friday, February 18: Six races are on the programme at Meydan today and three of them have Group status.

The UAE Oaks (3rd race/16.10pm/150,000 $/1900m) features seven three-year-old fillies. Crystal clear favourite in the Group 3 contest over dirt is the unbeaten Shahama (Adrie de Vries), who put all her class on the line here in the UAE 1000 Guineas (Listed race) and came out superior to Minwah (Pat Dobbs), Hot Pink (Ray Dawson) and Uchchaihshravas (Ulrika Holmqvist).

A race later in the Blue Point Sprint (4th race/16.45pm/180,000/1000m/turf), Lazuli (Wiliam Buick) faces his first desert hit. Trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, the five-year-old pleased in the Dubai Sprint (Listed race) three weeks ago when second to Khaadem (Frankie Dettori), who also performed well a length back. He`s A Balter (C. Jones) narrowly missed victory in the Dubai Sprint on the same day and is expected to spring a surprise.

There is a big crowd in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (5th race/17.20 h/200,000 $/2810 m/Turf). 15 horses are eligible to start and again it is the hosts who set the pace. Manobo (Wiliam Buick) has yet to do anything wrong in his four-start career and now looks to extend his winning streak in the desert. Rodrigo Diaz (Jamie Spencer) is also making his debut in Dubai and should play a leading role straight away. He last ran in the Doncaster Cup (Group 2) and finished fourth behind Stradivarius. Pablo Escobarr (Tadhg O`Shea) and Dancing King (Mickael Barzalona) are other newcomers with good chances.

Big day for the saddle trotters

Paris-Vincennes, Thursday, 17 February: Saddle trotters take centre stage at today`s eight-race event in Vincennes. First up are the three-year-olds.

The fillies will contest the Prix Holly du Locton (3rd race/15.00 h/60.000 Euro/2175 m). Junon du Leard (Paul Philippe Ploquin) could be the winner, but the fresh `Course-A` winner faces Jordanie (Adrien Lamy), who was just better than the Grimault mare in the final sprint on 18 January. Julia de la Noe (Eric Raffin) and Jipsy du Noyer (Mathieu Mottier) fought out a `D` race between themselves at the beginning of the year, they are also among the closest favourites.

In the stallion/gelding Prix Edouard Marcillac (5th race/16.10pm/60,000 euros/2175m), Jolly Roger (Adrien Lamy) is the benchmark after his victory over Juby de Bailly (Mathieu Mottier). The latter jumped on an uplifted platform in his latest appearance, while Jaspers Turgot (Eric Raffin) was flawless in his first saddle appearance to finish a good second. Joiso Poker Pro (Benjamin Rochard) and Jasper des Pres (Guillaume Martin) are two other proven contenders with good chances.

Finally, the five-year-old saddle trotters are under order in the Prix Paul Bastard (8th race/17.55/120,000 Euro/2700 m). Hera de Banville (Eric Raffin) surprised in the Prix Camille Blaisot (Group 2) and left numerous competitors behind her, whom she will meet again today. Hector des Champs (Francois Lagadeuc) also got good marks as sensational third ahead of Hytte du Terroir (Alexandre Abrivard). The latter is still well remembered as winner of the Prix Philippe du Rozier (group 2). The best saddle class was represented by Hirondelle du Rib (Jean Dersoir), who could not be beaten in the dress rehearsal for the Prix de Cornulier (group 1), but then failed due to a canter.

German duo against serial winners

Cagnes-sur-Mer, Wednesday, 16 February: Eight races are on the programme in Cagnes-sur-Mer today. In the Prix des Bougainvilliers (4th race/15.05 h/16.000 Euro/2000 m), a sales race of the category `Classe 3`, two German chances are represented.

Jean-Pierre Carvalho saddles the Dabirsim son Ako Casanova (Robin Haedens), who showed a good approach here at the end of January for the second time in his career when finishing fifth. Miroslav Rulec is responsible for Anatello (Patrick Gibson). At his debut of the year, the five-year-old disappointed all along the line. Judging by his good performance last year, he is a horse to be reckoned with. The way to victory leads through Tag (Benjamin Marie), who has won four times in a row, but Tazones (Vaclav Janacek) and Medha (Hugo Boutin), who were not far behind here for the win, should also play a major role. Manne (Lorette Gallo) usually appears in fourth place, this time a better placing seems within the realm of possibility.

Nimczyk quartet in Jägersro

Jägersro, Tuesday, 15 February: The German gold helmet Michael Nimczyk is currently swimming on a wave of success in Sweden, where he is represented with four chances today in Jägersro.

In the Stolopp (2nd race/12.42 hrs/75.700 SKr./1640 m) there will be another duel between Sangria Pellini (Michael Nimczyk) and Livi Pasadena H.M. (Johan Untersteiner), who were one/two here in January.

TomNJerry Diamant (Michael Nimczyk) bounces back for a double a week after his triumph on the same track in the Spartrappa (3rd race/13.04am/75,700 Skr:/2140m), but with a poor starting number and over longer ground, Goin To The Limit (Jörgen Sjunnesson) and Chumani (Joakim Lövgren) could block his path to the front.

Lancaster (Michael Nimczyk) could become a series winner just one test later in the Spartrappa (4th race/13.26 hrs/75,700 SKr./2140 m). Niras Donatello (Jörgen Sjunnesson), Ups Face (Johnny Takter) and Nashy Haleryd (Per Nordström) are three of his main opponents.

Competing for the first time on Swedish soil is Beachcomber (Michael Nimczyk), who has his sights set on another Spartrappa (race 6/14.07/75,700 SKr/2140 m) test. The in-form gelding faces beatable competition in Global Coldplay (Per Norström), T.Wall`s Kastor (Joakim Lövgren), Mamsell du Mont (Markus Waldmüller) and Vincentius (Marc Elias).

Mares in the highest class of the day

Paris-Vincennes, Monday, 14 February: Vincennes starts a new week with an eight-race programme. To start with, seven- and eight-year-old European mares are addressed in the Prix de Senlis (1st race/13.50 hrs/49,000 Euro/2100 m), which have not exceeded a winning sum of 171,000 Euro.

Zante Breed (Alexandre Abrivard) and Zanzibar Wise As (Matthieu Abrivard), running for Italy, battled to victory in a `D` race on 3 January, but came away empty-handed in their subsequent appearances. Today`s task looks easier for them again. Vikens Fingerprint (Eric Raffin) pleased in her third place ahead of Zante Laser (Francois Lagadeuc), who has already won in Germany. With the French riders` champion, a win is within the realm of possibility. Julia Pellini (Jean-Michel Bazire) will also be interesting in strong hands. Digital Class (Björn Goop) did not find a smooth ride around the course after two starts in December, but the Swede remains under observation. Last Winner (Nico D`Haenens), Etoile d`Eole (Franck Nivard) and Veiled (Gabriele Gelormini) all have fresh wins and are earmarked for the surprise.

Great sport around the Singspiel Stakes

Meydan, Friday, February 11: In the midst of it all is the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan, where race prizes totaling $800,000 will be distributed in seven races today. The lion`s share will go to the Singspiel Stakes (6th race/5:55 p.m./$180,000/1800m/turf).

Unsurprisingly, the hosts enter with the best odds. Zakouski (William Buick), Art Du Val (Mickael Barzalona), Royal Fleet (James Doyle), Bedouin`s Story (Frankie Dettori) and Passion And Glory (Pat Cosgrave) all start for Godolphin, with the former three trained by Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor responsible for the rest. In the Bahrain Trophy (Group 3), Zakouski disappointed in the beaten field, while Lord Glitters (Daniel Tudhope) enjoyed an assured victory. Twelve months ago, the eight-year-old won the Singspiel Stakes with Adrie de Vries three lengths ahead of Zakouski and Art Du Val, who finished a good third here in the Al Rashidiya (Group 2) on January 21 behind Royal Fleet but ahead of Lord Glitters and Bedouin`s Story.

Finally, it`s all over dirt in the Al Shindagha Sprint (7th race/6:30 p.m./$150,000/1200m). Last year`s winner Al Tariq (Pat Dobbs) is in absolute top form, which he fully confirmed recently in the Dubawi Stakes (Group 3). The Watson protégé beat Freedom Fighter (Tadhg O`Shea), who was fighting for second place, by two lengths. Ibn Malik (Dane O`Neill) and Canvassed (Andrea Atzeni) finished close and once again should not be underestimated.

There is a German background to the appearance of Manjeer (Eddy Hardouin) in the Business Bay Challenge (4th race/16.45pm/100,000$/1400m/turf). The six-year-old, trained by Carina Fey for Natlie Steinmann, currently made a very good impression when fifth in the Al Fahidi Fort (Group 2), but will have to improve again against strong local competition such as D`bai (William Buick) and Modern News (James Doyle).

List race over hurdles

Huntingdon, Thursday, February 10: Five horses will contest a Listed-class Novices Hurdle (4th race/16:10 p.m./£30,000/4018m) at Huntingdon today.

Elle Est Belle (Harry Skelton) is in the favor of the betting public. The six-year-old struggled to finish third at Group 2 level last time out and she won a List Hurdle at Newbury in highly convincing fashion. Elle Est Belle shares the favorite role with Wonderwall (James Bowen), who fully confirmed the honors he had previously achieved with an easy win at Doncaster. Harbour Lake (Tom Cannon) pleases with two wins, which will now be put to the test. Gentleman At Arms (Ciaran Gethings) is December`s track winner and comes into contention for the front places as does Jerrash (Jamie Moore), who has a fresh win from Ascot to his credit.

Eight races in Vincennes

Paris-Vincennes, Wednesday, February 9: A balanced `Course Europeenne` (Prix de l`Ille-et-Vilaine/13.55/57,000 euros/2100m) for older horses that have not won 200,000 euros kicks off today`s eight-race event at Paris-Vincennes.

Fiesta du Belver (Benjamin Rochard) surpassed expectations here in fourth place just a fortnight ago and thanks to a favourable starting position, she is registering her first chances. Excel d`Amour (Hugues Monthule) is the only competitor with a fresh winning form. In Ponchateau, the eight-year-old won safely despite an allowance. Vicki Laksmy (Franck Nivard) ran a disappointing meeting so far, but with a bit of racing luck he could end up on a podium. Eva de Gueriniere (Matthieu Abrivard) and Evita Madrik (Franck Ouvrie) fought to the line for the win in the Prix d`Espalion (Course D). After a photo finish, the two mares had to settle for the places. Europa de Chenu (Louis Baudron) runs alternately under saddle and in front of the sulky. Apparently, the Baudron protégé has specialised in third places. Foxtrot Nobless (Enzo Lelievre) had everything against him lately, with the performance of 25 November as fifth in front of Fiesta du Belver he should play a supporting role.