13th Defi du Galop in Marseille

Marseille-Borely, Monday, October 10: The 13th leg of the Défi du Galop race series will be held today in Marseille-Borely. The Listed race will be run as Grand Prix des Provinces (7th race/15.17 h/52,000 Euro/2000 m).

Two three-year-olds will compete against eight older horses. Epic Poet (Cristian Demuro) from the stable of Jean-Claude Rouget is one of the closest favourites with his consistently strong form. The Lope-de-Vega son, who has run mostly in Longchamp this year, placed in the Prix du Prince d`Orange (Group 3) and was previously a Listed winner. Paco (Maxime Guyon) finished third ahead of Stormy Pouss (Valentin Seguy) here just under a year ago and at his last appearance in May he came in fifth ahead of Royal Force (Sylvain Ruis). Despite the break, the Reynier protégé should play a supporting role. Royal Force finished not far from a better placing in the Grand Prix de la Ville de Craon (Listed race) and in the seventh leg he surprised behind the winner and ahead of Bobbymurphy (Anthony Crastus). Integrant (Clement Lecoeuvre) hit it too hard at Group 3 level, there should be more in it this time. National Service (Tony Piccone) comes from heavy Quinté handicaps, he should not be overlooked.