Sprinters and steeplechasers in Chantilly

Chantilly, Thursday, June 23: Two Listed races for distance specialists are on the program today in Chantilly.

First, the sprinters are in demand in the Prix Hampton (5th race/19.00/52,000 euros/1000 m). Five of the ten participants ran in the Prix de Saint-Georges (Group 3). Berneuil (Christophe Soumillon) and Suesa (Olivier Peslier) fared best behind the surprisingly victorious Ponntos. Both were fighting for second place and behind them it was also very close between Clarendon House (Raymond Dawson) and Live (Mickael Barzalona) for fourth place. Air de Valse (Ronan Thomas) came away empty-handed, but ended up close. The latter surprised in last year`s Prix de l`Abbaye Longchamp (Group 1) by finishing second to Suesa, who had previously won the King George Stakes (Group 1) at Goodwood.

Finally, the stayer will contest the Prix la Moskowa (8th race/20.50pm/52,000 euros/3000m). Joie de Soir (Maxime Guyon) ran placed without exception this year and is overdue for victory. In her most recent appearance in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (Group 2), the Fabre mare finished second to training companion Love Child (Olivier Peslier), who earlier in the day finished second to By My Side (Gregory Benoist) and Control Tower (Stephane Pasquier) in the Prix Gold River (Listed race). Bel Aristo (Cristian Demuro) was not convincing in his only start of the season so far, but is expected to be in the front group based on last year`s good performance. Tangut (Hugo Journiac) ran here in the Prix Right Royal (list race) behind Joie de Soir as fourth very strong.