Hopeful three-year-olds in the Prix Penthesilea

Paris-Vincennes, Friday 31 March: There is a meeting of three-year-old stallions today in Vincennes in the Prix Penthesilea (3rd race/17.13/70,000 Euro/2700 m), which belongs to Group 3. Special attention deserves Executiv Ek, trained and ridden by Alessandro Gocciadoro, who has not yet had to tolerate an opponent in front of him in his six-start career and is still on course for victory in his debut in France.

Standing in the Italian`s way is Kool des Champs (Eric Raffin), who finished a strong second in the Prix d`Oloron (Course A) ahead of Kandinsky (Benoit Robin) and Krack Time About (David Thomain). Jazzman (Alexandre Abrivard) is also a contender for the top spot. In the Prix Paul Viel (Group 2) he finished fifth, beating Kamehameha who later finished first in the Prix Comte Pierre de Montesson (Group 1). Krack Time About easily won the Prix d`Aigueperse (Course A) on 28 February against Kipling Iron (Yoann Lebourgeois), Kaviarissime (Adrien Ernault) and Keep Going (Matthieu Abrivard). A place in the top group seems possible again. Nelson Greenwood (Gabriele Gelormini), who ran in Germany, attracted attention in Sweden a year ago.

German victory in Chantilly?

Chantilly, Thursday, 30 March: Eight races are on the programme in Chantilly today. From a German point of view, the sales race Prix de la Fu Madame (4th race/15.35 h/19.000 Euro/1900 m) will be in focus.

Said (Hugo Besnier) from Michael Figge`s stable is one of the outsiders, but he showed talent last year when he won in Munich. Hella Sauer`s Chief Mambo (Mickael Barzalona) only ran behind in a handicap recently, but judging by his triumph in Deauville in October, the almost 80,000 Euro gelding is conceivable in the front. Carmen Bocskai saddled the ex-series winner Morcote (Ambre Molins). Just three weeks ago, he finished last in Deauville, not far behind Royaumont (Ayman Bentahar) and By The Way (Christophe Soumillon). The latter won at Riviera against Not So Silly (Marie Velon), who was clearly better than Baikal (Kobe Vanderbeke) on 3 March. Need You Tonight (Perrine Cheyer) runs reliably to the front and can win at any time.

Second `GNT` round in Marseille

Marseille-Borely, Wednesday 29 March: The second round of the provincial Grand National du Trot (1st race/13.50 hrs/90,000 euros/3000 m) takes place today in Marseille-Borely. 16 horses from three bands take up the fight for points and prize money.

From the basic brand, Gaspar d`Angis (Eric Raffin), who won in Vincennes and Laval this year, is very favourable and Gaudeo (Antoine Dabouis), who is getting better and better, is also conceivable far in front. They have to be especially careful of Fifty Five Bond (Jean-Charles Feron) who, with the performance from the Prix du Forez (group 3), is a possible winner in third place ahead of higher rated horses. The best class is embodied by Fakir du Ranch (Yannick-Alain Briand). The eight-year-old currently won the Prix Jean Boillereau (Course A) in Cagnes-sur-Mer despite an allowance against Honky Tonk Blues (Nicolas Ensch), which ended with a ribbon advantage over Eberton (Junior Guelpa) and Forrest Gede (Romuald Mourice). Not to be overlooked are the three wins by Flash Royal (Manuel Criado) and the form approach on Gangster Davaness (David Cinier).

Derby yearling in Saint-Cloud

Saint-Cloud, Tuesday, 28 March: Three-year-olds are the focus of the eight-race event at Saint-Cloud today.

The stallions/geldings will contest the Prix Comrade (2nd race/14.25/28,000 Euro/1600 m). Valimi (Cristian Demuro), trained by Jean-Claude Rouget for the Aga Khan, makes his comeback after his impressive victory in Deauville. Book Of Life (Mickael Barzalona) was also successful at the same venue. Like Halfway Line (Tony Piccone), who performed well in Chantilly, he also starts the season with first chances. Cognac (Christophe Soumillon) is recommended by his fifth place in the 300,000 Euro Critérium Arqana.

In the mares` Prix Kizil Kourgan (3rd race/15.00 h/28,000 Euro/1600 m) the way to victory leads through Algolia (Maxime Guyon), trained by Andre Fabre. The Lope-de-Vega daughter, who runs for Wertheimer, won on the sand track in Chantilly in the manner of a better horse. Snowpark (Cristian Demuro), Perfetto (Mickael Barzalona) and Prija (Aurelien Lemaitre) were just as convincing in their successes and, like Lady Frasquita (Tony Piccone), who is a model of reliability, are in question for the top places.

Just In Love against Adlerflug son

Fontainebleau, Monday, 27 March: With eight races, the Hippodrome in Fontainebleau starts into the new week. Among the better tests is the Prix de Moret-sur-Loing (7th race/17.20 h/23,000 Euro/1600 m), a `Classe-3` age-weight race with eight horses.

Marian-Falk Weissmeier is trying to get a piece of the prize pie with Stall Nagnag`s Just In Love (Thomas Trullier), however, the season debutant does not have it easy with her mixed form. In The Mood (Tony Piccone), trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, has better chances for a top placing. The Adlerflug son was second in his last appearance in a Quinté handicap and always ran reliably to the front. La Perriere (Cristian Demuro) can also boast an exemplary form record, sending In The Mood to the losing line by a length when winning on 4 September. Rougegarde (Axel Baron), Ocean (Giovanni Angius) and Atsana (Lea Balis) could benefit from the weight allowance. Botas (Simon Planque) and Peterhof (Martin Lehmann) are not uninteresting with a condition advantage.

Grand Prix opener in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Sunday, 26 March: The long-awaited start to the `Green Season` takes place today in Düsseldorf, where nine very well-staffed races are on the programme. The absolute highlight is the Grand Prix Aufgalopp (6th race/14.30/25,000 Euro/2200 m), run as the Prize of the Fortuna. The Listed race offers an additional betting incentive due to the four-horse bet and the guaranteed payout of 11,111 Euros.

Last year`s winner, Mansour (Michal Abik), will make a double strike, but he has a tough nut to crack with the Derby and Prize of Europe fourth-placed Assistent (Leon Wolff). Dato (Bayarsaikhan Ganbat) and Wild Man (Sibylle Vogt), who are always touring between Germany and France, are other contenders with good chances. Nubius (Wladimir Panov) took fourth place in the Dead Race twelve months ago. After his seventh place in Switzerland, the seven-year-old switched to the break. Have Dancer (Andrasch Starke) was kept fit on the sand track. A good placing is within the realms of possibility for the Le Havre son, who showed twice in Longchamp last year.

The Compensation 2 in eighth place (3.40pm/13,000 Euro/1700m) could be a prey for Quello (Shuichi Terachi) from the stable of Peter Schiergen, who started his career here three years ago with a third place and achieved further strong performances later in France. Bastiano (Bayarsaikhan Ganbat) finished last season with two wins. Like Inaugural (Sibylle Vogt) and Rajguru (Sean Byrne), he cannot be left out of any consideration.

Il Est Francais still on course for success?

Auteuil, Sunday, 26 March: The obstacle mecca in Auteuil is again the venue for eight top-class obstacle competitions today. In the Prix Hypothese (2nd race/14.33 h/135,000 Euro/3900 m) seven hurdle specialists are under order.

Theleme (Gaetan Masure) and Hermes Baie (Bertrand Lestrade), who won the Prix d`Automne (Group 1) and the Prix Carmarthen (Group 3), will meet again. Under maximum weight they meet again Folsom Prison (Jeremy da Silva), who finished fourth in those tests far back. They will have to beat Il Est Francais (Jonathan Burke), who is used to winning. Currently, the gelding won the Prix Juigne (Group 3) against the stubborn Kapteen (Nicolas Gauffenic) as well as Hermes Baie, Goa Lil (Ciaran Gethings) and Spirit of The Moon (Ludovic Philipperon), who finished next in clear distances.

Alexandre Abrivard rides the top favourites

Paris-Vincennes, Friday, 24 March: The winter meeting is only a few weeks old and already the spring season is being ushered in on the Plateau de Gravelle. The main players today are the three-year-old saddle trotters, who will compete in two Group 2 races, separated by gender.

In the Prix Felicien Gauvreau (1st race/16.03 h/120,000 Euro/2200 m), the way to victory for the stallions leads over Kifil de Bussy (Alexandre Abrivard), who has not yet found a conqueror in three starts in the new métier this year. Most recently, in the Prix Edouard Marcillac (Group 3), he took four lengths off Kimbo Berry (Christopher Corbineau). The Bazire protégé did not play a role in front of the sulky at the moment, but at the beginning of the year the three-year-old won a `D` race in superior fashion ahead of King Stallion (Eric Raffin), who later celebrated a success over Killer Victory (Jean Dersoir).

The Prix Ali Hawas (3rd race/17.13/120,000 Euro/2200 m) also has a clear favourite, in which Karlita (Alexandre Abrivard) is the mare to beat after two Monté victories. She gave a taste of her extraordinary ability on 16 February in the Prix Holly du Locton (Group 3). With a superior lead she outclassed Kouba d`Ourville (Damien Bonne), Kaleda Gema (Benjamin Rochard), Kabaka de Guez (Yoann Lebourgeois) and Kelanie Lorraine (Anthony Barrier), who finished next. The latter went on to win the Prix de Vire Normandie (Course B) easily against Kaya Dream and Kandora Bella (Camille Levesque).

Jacksun faces tough task

Saint-Cloud, Thursday, March 23: After an eventful Saturday, the next event is immediately on the program today in Saint-Cloud. The highlight is the Prix de la Porte de Madrid (4th race/15.35/52,000 euros/2400 m), which belongs to the list class, in which Michael Figges Jacksun (Olivier Peslier) returns after a so far messed-up season to the site where he scored a victory and a place of honor at list level in September last year as a giant outsider on each occasion. The Munich guest will face his conqueror Or Gris (Christophe Soumillon), who starts the season at maximum weight. The Good Man (Morgan Delalande) also makes his comeback after finishing a very successful previous year with second place in the Prix Gladiateur (Group 3). The same result was achieved by Fasol (Maxime Guyon) in the Prix de Lutece (Group 3), and later he was fourth in the Prix Chaudenay (Group 2). He is also expected to be in the front running, as is Always Welcome (Theo Bachelot), who recently took the honors in the Grand Prix du Departement (Listed race) behind the German Mika d`O. Melo Melo (Mickael Barzalona) pleased here in the Prix Turenne (Listed race) after finishing second in a battle decision. Pride of America (Tony Piccone) disappointed in his last France appearance but, like Nancy winner Stronger Together (Cristian Demuro), has a conditioning advantage. Luisa Casati (Ioritz Mendizabal) could fail due to class.

Germans active in Strasbourg

Strasbourg, Wednesday, 22 March: Numerous German stables are heading for nearby Strasbourg today, with the Prix du Galoppclub Iffezheim (4th race/13.25 h/19,000 Euro/1400 m) in particular in their sights. A victory for the guests is on the cards.

Sven Schleppi saddles Maavah (Alexander Pietsch), who is currently winning in Nancy, with first chances. Hans Blume is expecting a lot with Stirling (Theo Bachelot), who recently finished third in Fontainebleau. The renewed clash between Miroslav Rulec` Flash Is Back (Sebastien Maillot), Joyeuse de Romay (Augustin Madamet) and Why Chope (Hugo Boutin), who took the first three places here last May, is eagerly awaited. Ralf Rohne`s Hypnotized (Michael Cadeddu) was to set the record straight after the break, the last strike result over sand despite maximum weight. The mainly French-run Laura Trezy (Ludovic Boisseau), Cadorino des Place (Eddy Hardouin) and Zion (Sybille Vogt) from the stable of Yasmine Vollmer, Carina Fey and Marion Rotering are not without possibilities.

Strong English in the Prix Ronde de Nuit

Chantilly, Tuesday, 21 March: The Prix Ronde de Nuit (5th race/16.10 h/55,000 Euro/1100 m) is aimed at three-year-old horses in Chantilly today. The Listed race is run on the straight track over grass.

A participant who is used to winning is Proverb (Mickael Barzalona) from the stable of George Boughey. The stallion, who is travelling from England, recently won a Listed race in Longchamp against Lady Hamana (Clifford Lee), among others, who already got a taste of Group 2 air in the Flying Childers Stakes. Proverb is supported by Perdika (Maxime Guyon), who finished second in the Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan. Other guests from the island are Michaela`s Boy (Jason Hart), Rogue Lightning (Jack Mitchell) and Love Affairs (Tony Piccone). Kokachin (Cristian Demuro) pleased in the placing at List level last year. After a disappointing run in the Prix d`Arenberg, the mare was ordered to rest. Whistle And Flute (Hugo Journiac) showed a remarkable performance here under new management, but will have to confirm this over Turf. The same applies to I Am Incredible (Aurelien Lemaitre), who recently fought for victory with the favourite in a dirt test in Deauville.

Season debut of Calif

Compiegne, Monday, 20 March: An interesting eight-race event is on the programme in Compiegne today. The Prix des Etangs de Saint-Pierre (3rd race/15.00/27.000 Euro/1600 m), which belongs to the category `Classe 2`, is the target of Peter Schiergen and Sascha Smrczek, who saddle Calif (Sybille Vogt) and True Tedesco (Theo Bachelot). The former pleases with low mark. Last year he ran in the French 2000 Guineas without success. In Düsseldorf and Hoppegarten the Areion son achieved good placings. The Smrczek protégé finished down at list level at his most recent appearance in Saint-Cloud.

The German duo will be tested by Nano Nagle (Mickael Barzalona), who already showed good performances in black-type tests as a three-year-old, but did not come into his own as usual over sand in Deauville. Sweetheart (Maxime Guyon) tanked up on fitness at the meeting in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Fourth place in the Prix Saonois (Listed race) should be enough for a place at the front. The busy Loliwood (Ronan Thomas) should not be overlooked with his five wins last year. There are hardly any chances to be discovered for the hardly tested Soka d`Ans (Laura Gross).

Prix d'Indy + Prix Troytown in Auteuil

Auteuil, Sunday, 19 March: Nine top-class steeplechase races will be held today in Paris at the Hippodrome d`Auteuil. In the first highlight, the Prix d`Indy (5th race/16.25pm/135,000 Euro/3600m), the four-year-olds are under order at Group 3 level over hurdle jumps. La Haute Couture (Angelo Zuliani) announced herself emphatically here with a superior victory, she is expected in the front runners. Not Too Bad (David Gallon), Bolero (Thomas Beaurain), Le Philosophe (Gaetan Masure) and Isaline de Chandou (Olivier Jouin), who ran strongly behind the winner in the Grande Course de Haies des 3 Ans (Group 1), are also among the closest favourites. Losange Bleu (Jeremy da Silva) and La Marche Bleue (Bertrand Lestrade), who are used to winning, are other contenders with good chances.

The Prix Troytown (6th race/17.00 h/155.000 Euro/4400 m) appeals to the older Steepler. Despite the highest mark, Figuero (Angelo Zuliano), who recently won the Prix la Haye Jousselin (Group 1), should have a say in the victory. The third and fourth placed Poly Grandchamp (Bertrand Lestrade) and Starlet du Mesnil (Felix de Giles), who were already seen behind the eight-year-old in the Prix Heros XII (Group 3), could turn around their form. Another success by Youtwo Glass (Thomas Beaurain), who took three wins in Pau, cannot be ruled out. Rosario Baron (Kevin Nabet) also caused a sensation at the same venue and, like Saint Pair (Lucas Zulian), should not be missing from any consideration.

Final spurt on the sand track

Dortmund, Sunday, 19 March: It started later than usual, but now the finale is already upon us - the sand track season ends today. Seven races will be held in Dortmund between 11:20 am and 2:25 pm. The first five races are also part of the PMU programme.

In the Steher Equaliser III over 2,500 metres, Sweet Author (A. Mathony) is one of the stars of the winter, but he clearly lost out to Keep Away (A. v. d. Troost). The weight ratio has now shifted in favour of the series winner, so that it could also end the other way round again.

In the Equalisation III over a distance of 1,950 metres, the sand experts will once again do the honours. The recently victorious Aradous (A. Mathony) could do it again.

The four-way bet with a guaranteed payout of 10,000 Euros will be played out in the 5th race (Equalisation IV, 1,700 metres). Stay First (N. Polli) and Amity Island (L.-M. Engels) are two of the options.

Prix Exbury opens the `Green Group` season

Saint-Cloud, Saturday, 18 March: Lots of Listed races and the Prix Exbury (5th race/15.50/80,000 Euro/2000m), the first Group race of the French season, mark the highlights of today`s event at Saint-Cloud.

The semi-classic for the older age groups will be enormously enhanced by Skalleti (Gerald Mosse). The millionaire, trained by Jerome Reynier, won the Prix Tantieme (Listed race) here on 17 November and the course is set for another triumph. Twelve months ago, he `only` finished third, but in the following Prix d`Harcourt (Group 2), the now eight-year-old was again a winner. Andre Fabres Kertez (Maxime Guyon) has the best chances. The gelding, who recently finished third in the Prix du Conseil de Paris (Group 2), won three races in a row here last year and ran second at List level. Surrey Mist (Ioritz Mendizabal), who won the Prix Vulacain (List race), and Virtual Rock (Cristian Demuro), who had two strong performances at Group level, complete the circle of favourites. German hopes are pinned on Craps (Stephane Pasquier), trained by Miroslav Rulec, who ran very well in Cagnes-sur-Mer this year. Flyingbeauty (Alexis Pouchin) exceeded expectations several times last season, she is the only mare in the field. For Haya Zark (Christophe Soumillon) last year ended early with a last place in the Prix Eugene Adam (Group 2). Like Bakhchisaray (Aurelien Lemaitre), who has run three times this year, he could provide the surprise.

Cheltenham Gold Cup with last year`s winner

Cheltenham, Friday 17 March: The Festival at Cheltenham concludes today with six races. Traditionally, the Gold Cup (4th race/16.30pm/625,000 pounds/5294m) takes centre stage. The twelve entrants include the winners of the last two years, A Plus Tard (Rachael Blackmore) and Minella Indo (Mark Walsh), who occupy different positions on the betting market.

The former ranks top with the bookmakers despite fluffing his only appearance in the Lancashire Chase (Group 1) in November. The ten-year-old finished 15 lengths behind A Plus Tard in last year`s runner-up, but is only among the outsiders after his victory in the New Years` Chase (Group 3) over Sattler (P. Mullins). The latter also took the honours in his latest appearance in the Irish Gold Cup (Group 1) behind Galopin des Champs (Paul Townend), who landed another bigpoint in the Punchestown Chase (Group 1) this season and is seen by many as the new Gold Cup triumphant. Bravemansgame (Harry Cobden) recommended himself for today`s task by winning the King George VI Chase (Group 1) over Royale Pagaille (Charlie Deutsch). Ahoy Senor (Derek Fox) did everything right in the Cotswold Chase (Group 2). He defeated Sounds Russian (Sean Quinlan), Noble Yeats (Sean Bowen) and Protectorate (Harry Skelton), who may fancy their chances of a good placing.

Stayers Hurdle + Ryanair Chase with strong line-up

Cheltenham, Thursday 16 March: The next highlights await at Cheltenham today, where Flooring Porter (Danny Mullins), successful in the last two years, will be aiming for the treble in the Stayers Hurdle (4th race/16.30/325,000 pounds/4785m).

The eight-year-old lost twice to Home By The Lee (J. Slevin) in the preparation, who also sent Ashdale Bob (Keith Donoghue) to the losing end in the Christmas Hurdle (Group 1). Bazing Khal (Phili Byrnes) will be the favourite to win. He was in a class of his own in the Boyne Hurdle (Group 2), scoring his fifth goal in a row. Also unbeaten this season is Teahupoo (Davy Russell), who battled it out with Klassical Dream (Paul Townend) in the Hattons Grace Hurdle (Group 1). Both left none other than Honeysuckle behind. Gold Tweet (Johnny Charron) ran into favour with the bettors by winning the Cleeve Hurdle (Group 2). Paisley Park (Aidan Coleman) and Sire du Berlais (Mark Walsh) are getting on in years. Neither is out of the world because of their class.

In the Ryanair Chase (3rd race/15.50/375,000 pounds/4139m), a duel between the in-form Shishkin (Nico de Boinville) and Blue Lord (Paul Townend) looms. The former currently won the Ascot Chase (Group 1), while his opponent suffered defeat in the Dublin Chase (Group 1). Janidil (Mark Walsh) was a winner in the Red Mills Chase (Group 2) and could steal the show from the two favourites.

Three-way battle expected in Queen Mother Champion Chase

Cheltenham, Wednesday, 15 March: The next classics are on the programme today on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival. In the Queen Mother Champion Chase (4th race/16.30/400,000 pounds/3200m) defending champion Energumene (Paul Townend) will be tested by Edwardstone (Tom Cannon) and Editeur Du Gite (Niall Houlihan).

In their most recent meeting in the Clarence House Chase (Group 1) here in January, the latter two put up a close fight for the win, which the Frenchman eventually took. With no better chance, Energumene finished third. Twelve months ago, the Mullins protégé beat Funambule Sivola (Charlie Deutsch), whose current triumph in the Game Spirit Chase (Group 2) over Greaneteen (Harry Cobden) should not be overlooked. Editeur Du Gite also won the Desert Orchid Chase (Group 2) with `Weile` over Nube Negra (Harry Skelton). The Spaniard was other goods before that in the Shloer Chase (Group 2) against only two competitors. Captain Guiness (Rachael Blackmore), who is coming off two good performances this season, completes the small but fine field.

Kick-off of the Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham, Tuesday, 14 March: The four-day Cheltenham Festival starts today at Prestbury Park. Numerous classics are on the programme such as today`s Champion Hurdle (4th race/16.30/450,000 pounds/3298 m).

Honeysuckle dominated the Group 1 Hurdle for two years but the exceptional mare makes her final career start in the subsequent Mares Hurdle, clearing the way for Constitution Hill (Nico de Boinville), who has stood above the opposition in both the Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Group 1) and Christmas Hurdle (Group 1) this season and is likely to fear only State Man (Paul Townend) here, whose winning streak is also impressive. Currently, the Mullins protégé won the Irish Champion Hurdle (Group 1) ahead of Honeysuckle and Vauban (Danny Mullins), whom State Man already gave a clear rebuff in the Matheson Hurdle (Group 1). I Like To Move It (Sam Twiston-Davies), who was victorious in the Kingwell Hurdle (Group 2), is also a promising contender for today`s task. Zanahiyr (Davy Russell), Not So Sleepy (Jonathan Burke) and Jason The Militant (Joe Williamson) are certainly not bad outsiders and can only benefit from the failure of the latter.

Derby year in focus

Chantilly, Monday 13 March: The first of two events this week at the Hippodrome de Chantilly goes ahead today with eight races.

The focus will be on two tests for the Derby yearlings. The fillies will contest the Prix du Château (2nd race/14.25pm/28,000 Euro/1600m). Secretive (Christophe Soumillon) earned a maiden race in Deauville and could end up far in front again. Linfasommer (Aurelien Lemaitre) also surprised in Normandy and, like Indian Gold (Maxime Guyon) who won over grass, is in contention for a top finish.

In the Prix de Lieutenant (3rd race/15.00 h/28,000 Euro/1600 m) Andreas Schütz saddled Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Mickael Barzalona), who showed a lot of promise here. Other track winners are Bless (Stephane Pasquier) and Premier Ordre (Gerald Mosse). Ardito (Maxime Guyon) gave his visiting card here and, like Alashar (Tony Piccone) who was superior in Compiegne, must not be missed in any consideration.

The specialists rely on sand again

Dortmund, Sunday, March 12: The sand track specialists will be at the center of German gallop interest for the penultimate time on Sunday in Dortmund, then there will be the eagerly awaited "start into the green" on grass in Düsseldorf on March 26. Of course, the dirt experts don`t want to let their hair down and attack in the eight races between 11:20 am and 2:50 pm. PMU will show the first four tests in France.

In the Equalizer III over a distance of 1,200 meters, the double winner No Day Never (T. Koyuncu) does the honors, coming in nine lengths ahead of Muzy (T. Scardino) and before that three quarters of a length ahead of the subsequently again victorious Vinnare (J. Bojko). There it looks like another match between Vinnare and No Day Never.

The first race for three-year-olds over 1,800 meters could be tailor-made for the Röttgen-based Norton (A. Starke).

10,000 euros stand over the four-horse bet of the 4th race (Ausgleich IV, 1,200 meters). From the ideal box one, Jungle Bee (A. v. d. Troost) could storm to a start-finish victory, which he narrowly missed last time.

Finale with the Grand Critérium

Cagnes-sur-Mer, Sunday, 12 March: The trotting meeting on the Riviera, which has been running since December, ends today with a nine-race programme around the Grand Critérium de Vitesse de la Côte d`Azur (6th race/16.25 h/200,000 Euro/1609 m).


As last year`s winner Etonnant was already conspicuous by his absence at the classics in Paris, the duel between the Frenchman and Vivid Wise As (Mathieu Abrivard), who is one of the absolute track specialists here with five classic victories (two in the Grand Criterium, three in the Grand Prix), will not take place. In order to finally immortalise himself in the eternal best list, the Italian will have to call up the form from the Prix de France (Group 1), where he finished a strong second behind Ampia Mede Sm. Behind them, Delia du Pommereux (Pierre-Yves Verva), who was successful against Vernissage Grif (Alessandro Gocciadoro) in the preparation for the Prix d`Amérique, appealed. The short distance should suit the stablemate of Vivid Wise As, otherwise the nine-year-old currently has little to offer. Go On Boy (Romain Derieux) brought himself back into the conversation with his victory in the Prix du Chesnay (Course B) and, like the in-form but high class Gently de Muze (Christophe Martens), is eligible for the better place money.

Many form horses in the Prix Montenica

Deauville, Saturday, 11 March: Nine sand track races are on the programme in Deauville today. The focus is on the three-year-olds, who will compete in the Prix Montenica (3rd race/17.52 h/55,000 Euro/1300 m), which is part of the list class.

Five current winners will meet. Swing For Me (Cristian Demuro) and Rising Up (Marvin Grandin) won in pleasing fashion on the Riviera, while Burstow (Alexis Pouchin) and La Galiote (Gerald Mosse) caused a stir here. The Ivy (Christophe Soumillon) triumphed in Chelmsford, England. Doris Schönherr saddled Ciao Pa` (Pierre Bazire), who came second in Chantilly, with good chances. Glorious Angel (Ioritz Mendizabal), who won three times in a row in England this year, also looks interesting. Alvina (Hugo Journiac), Shalromy (Maxime Guyon) and Lady Bullet (Tony Piccone) are making their seasonal debut, they showed some nice attempts last year.

Four-year-olds in the Prix Duc d`Anjou

Auteuil, Saturday, 11 March: The Prix Duc d`Anjou (4th race/13.58/150.000 Euro/3500 m), which belongs to Group 3, is aimed at four-year-old horses today in Auteuil. The majority of the nine participants are seasonal debutants.

Winteriscoming (Theo Chevillard) set a scent mark here a year ago. The gelding faces Juntos Ganamos (Felix de Giles) and Goliath du Rheu (Angelo Zuliani), who won the Prix Congress (Group 2) in November and kept the also highly rated Bon Conseil (Wilfried Lajon) and Jereviendrai (Alejandro Ruiz-Gonzalez) at a clear distance. Jost (Kevin Nabet) deserves a note with his honourable mention in the Prix General de Saint-Didier (Group 3). Slice And Dice (Ludovic Philipperon) won this year in lower classes and pleases thanks to low mark.

Start of the season in Enghien

Enghien, Friday, 10 March: With the Hippodrome d`Enghien, another premium track rings in the new season in France today.

Right at the beginning, the Prix de Mimizan (1st race/16.03 h/68,000 Euro/2875 m) is a high-quality trotting race to be decided. Get Lovely Delo (Yoann Lebourgeois), who comes from a heavy test background, will find a solvable task, but Hakim de Chenu (David Thomain), who has won twice this year, will be a tough test for the seven-year-old. Faster Syga (Loanne Fauchon) and Fougue du Dollar (Mathieu Mottier) enter with mixed form, but are conceivable up front in terms of class.

The final Prix de Sanary-sur-Mer (8th race/20.15pm/59,000 Euro/2150m) will address the upmarket set in front of the sulky. Ghalie du Goutier (Theo Duvaldestin) and Great Tigress (Benoit Robin) know each other from the Prix d`Arras (Course D), where they finished next behind the winning favourite. A renewed duel between the two mares is on the cards, but the spoiler could be Geisha Speed (Anthony Barrier), who finished a strong second with allowance on 9 January, while Great Tigress was off the pace after racing in front and battling for places.

Figge and Suborics at the start of the season in Saint-Cloud

Saint-Cloud, Thursday, March 9: The winter season is drawing to a close and the big tracks are gradually opening their doors. Today the starting signal is given in Saint-Cloud, where two list tests form the basic framework of the event.


In the Prix Rose de Mai (3rd race/15.00/55.000 Euro/2000 m) three-year-old mares are under order. German hopes rest on Michael Figge`s Romina Power (Christophe Soumillon), who has already gained experience at classic level in the Critérium International and recently finished a good second in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Her main opponents include Pensee du Jour (Mickael Barzalona), who made a winning debut in Chantilly, as well as Cracksmani (Anthony Crastus) and Elusive Princess (Leo Roussel), who also have impressive wins to their credit. Other horses in form with good chances are Olkovskha (Enzio Corallo) and Avolta (Maxime Guyon).


Over the mile is the Prix Altipan (5th race/16.10pm/52,000 euros/1600m), in which Best Lightning (Martin Seidl), prepared by Andreas Suborics, continues to chase points after numerous appearances in Europe. The winner in the Baden Mile faces The Revenant (Tony Piccone), second and fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1). The tightest circle of favorites also includes Monarchic (Mickael Barzalona), who won twice in November, and Loliwood (Christophe Soumillon).

Curtain up for the Grand National du Trot 2023

Amiens, 8 March: It`s that time again. Today, the first of a total of 14 stages of the Grand National du Trot (1st race/13.55 h/90,000 euros/2900 m) will be decided in Amiens. As every year, the provincial circuit ends in Paris-Vincennes, where the horses with the best points are eligible to start with the "Clôture".

16 horses in the prize category up to 442,000 Euros are divided between two ribbons. From the basic brand, Howdy Partner (Franck Nivard), who achieved good placings in Vincennes, can expect first chances. Hidalgo des Noes (Gabriele Gelormini) confidently lived up to his assessment as a big favourite in Agen-Le Passage in a `B` race and is just as highly traded as I Love Me (Tony Le Beller), who saw completely different horses in the capital but will have to cope with an allowance this time. Heliot de Cahot (Eric Raffin) is always in front when running clear and completes the circle of favourites. Fame Music (Mathieu Mottier) improved continuously. Together with the handicapped Haribo du Loisir (Leo Abrivard) and Ezalyo Smart (Yoann Lebourgeois), she is in line for the surprise.

The next `GNT` stage will take place in three weeks on 29.3 in Marseille-Borely.

Hans Blume with Antomina with good chances

Chantilly, Tuesday, March 7: Eight races will be run today at the Fibersand track in Chantilly. In addition to some tests for the novice class, the focus is on the Prix Leandra (5th race/16.10 pm/23,000 euros/2100 m), which is classified as Grade `3`. Hans Blume will saddle Antomina (Ioritz Mendizabal), who finished second here in December. The four-year-old then ran in Pornichet-La Baule and, as expected, won easily against ten age-mates. This time, the mare will have to contend with Imperial Beauty (Aurelien Lemaitre) and Soho Vicky (Marie Velon), who were also victorious in their last appearances. The latter should benefit from the weight allowance, as should Need You Tonight (Perrine Cheyer) and Parure des Sables (Luca Carboni), who were in the picture behind the leaders in Lyon on January 24. Brana (Cristian Demuro) was already fighting for the win at the beginning of the year and La Javanaise (Theo Bachelot) also pleased in Deauville as a strong second.

Start of the season in Caen

Caen, Monday, 6 March: With eight races the Hippodrome de la Prairie in Caen starts the new season today. The best class is addressed in the Prix de Saint-Etienne (4th race/13.50/35,000 Euro/2450 m).

The `Course D` addresses six-year-old and older horses and will be started from two tapes. Helios Somolli (Mathias Dudouit) enjoys a lot of confidence from the ground mark and bids for victory after heavy duties at Vincennes. He pleased in Saint-Brieuc on 5 February when third behind Helios Si (Sebastien Hardy), who had two other strong performances in January. Glorioso Bello (Julien Travers) always ends up in the betting if he runs faultlessly and is in line for a top spot, as is Graziela d`El (Guillaume Martin), who finished second on the Plateau de Gravelle. From the allowance band, Cea Miquellerie (Yoann Lebourgeois) has it easier this time than in the Prix de Paris (Group 1). Together with Flamme Vive (Benjamin Rochard), Etoile de Quesny (David Thomain) and Esteban Jiel (Francois Lagadeuc), she must not be missed in any consideration.

Hermes Baie vs. Il Est Francais in the Prix Juigne

Auteuil, Sunday 5 March: The obstacle course in Auteuil is back in the spotlight today with eight races. The Prix Juigne (4th race/15.50 h/135,000 Euro/3600 m) is run as a Group 3 race and addresses eight horses over the hurdle jumps.

Il Est Francais (Felix de Giles) and Hermes Baie (Bertrand Lestrade) share the role of favourites. The former catapulted himself into the top group of the best hurdle horses of his year with four wins in a row. The superior triumph in the Prix Renaud du Vivier (Group 1) against Spirit of The Moon (Ludovic Philipperon), among others, was the most valuable in his career of only seven starts so far. The Nicolle protégé has had considerably more successes. The six-year-old has won ten of his 18 starts, and only in his two most recent appearances did he have to settle for places of honour. The declared goal should again be the Grande Course de Haies d`Auteuil (Group 1), where he made his mark last year. Goa Lil (Kevin Nabet) already had to acknowledge the superiority of Hermes Baie in the Prix de Compiegne (Group 3), but did not go wrong when he finished fifth and later the gelding won a Listed race in Compiegne. Hermes de Chamdoux (Angelo Zuliano) caused a sensation by winning the Prix Questarabad (Group 3), but an injury forced the Cokoriko son to miss around nine months. Kapteen (Nicolas Gauffenic) and Inedit de Ciergues (Gaetan Masure) are used to winning, but meet it challenging.

Dortmund sand specialists are challenged again

Dortmund, Sunday, 05 March: There are only three more opportunities for the sand track specialists in the winter season 2022/23, then it will already come to an end again. On Sunday, the all-weather course in Dortmund-Wambel, which was built in 1981, will present eight tests between 11:20 am and 2:55 pm. Races 1 to 5 will also be broadcast to France.

Of course, the basic sport dominates. In the Equalisation III over a distance of 1,800 metres there will be a summit meeting of fresh winners, such as Wintermond (S. Vogt), Sir Stanley (L.-M. Engels) and Aradous (A. Mathony). The forms of Delphinus (L. Wolff) in France might have been worth quite a bit.

In the counterpart over 2,500 metres, the four-time winner Sweet Author (A. Mathony) naturally stands out.

10,000 euros beckon as a guaranteed payout in the quadruple bet of the 5th race (Equalisation IV, 1,700 metres). Here, the recent winner Agent Sim (T. Scardino) is a potential set horse.

Winter Meeting ends in Vincennes

Paris-Vincennes, Saturday, 4 March: The Winter Meetings in Paris-Vincennes will be a thing of the past after the final Prix d`Argenton-sur-Creuse. Two rounds of the classic level will be contested for 240,000 euros in prize money.

The Prix des Centaures (5th race/15.50/2200m) admits four-, five- and six-year-old horses, with only the four-year-olds starting from the basic mark. Hanna des Molles (Alexandre Abriavard), who excelled in the Prix de I`Ile de France (Group 1), should not let the `butter be taken off her bread`, but Happy and Lucky (Adrien Lamy), who paled in seventh place in that match, should also play a supporting role, as should Ina du Rib (Jean Dersoir), who was not available for cleaning in the Prix Camille Blaisot (Group 2). From the front, Joyeuse (Mathieu Mottier) and Junon (Guillaume Martin) suitably hit it.

The same yearlings under the identical starting conditions, but this time in front of the sulky, will contest the Prix de Selection (8th race/17.35/2200 m). Idao de Tillard (Theo Duvaldestin) immediately corrected the `red` form in the Prix d`Amérique and easily beat the best-run Instrumentaliste (Gabriele Gelormini) in the Prix Ovide Moulinet (Group 2). The five-year-old will have to contend primarily with Horsy Dream (Eric Raffin), whose reputation as a shooting star in the `Amérique` and the `France` has fallen somewhat silent. Heraut d`Armes (Jean-Michel Bazire) will be interesting if he runs faultlessly. Juliet Papa Bravo (Mathieu Mottier) and Joyner Sport (David Thomain) could benefit from the band advantage.

Super Saturday in Meydan

Meydan, Saturday 4 March: Today`s Super Saturday at Meydan leaves nothing to be desired as almost all eight races (with the exception of the introductory Arabian and the Ras al Khor) have Group and Listed status.

The third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge (6th race/15.25/450,000 $/2000 m/Dirt) could be a haul for Bendoog (James Doyle). He was defeated only by the unbeatable Algiers in round two and in the Carnival opener in January he had to acknowledge Salute The Soldier (Adrie de Vires) and Atletico El Culano (Jose da Silva) ahead of him. The reckoning should not be made without Law Of Peace (Tadhg O`Shea). Last year`s series winner could definitely please when finishing fifth in the Firebreak Stakes (Group 3). Kafoo (Dane O`Neill) and Quality Humor (Ray Dawson) gained enough condition here and are capable of a surprise.

It continues on a classic level in the Jebel Hatta (8th race/16.45 hrs/350,000 $/1800 m/Turf). A win for the hosts of Godolphin is on the cards. Master Of The Seas (William Buick) should have the best cards with a recent winning performance in the Zabeel Mile (Group 2) over Shelir (Jason Watson) and I Am Superman (Pat Dobbs). Real World (Daniel Tudhope), who lost twice to Baaeed last year, is again targeting the Dubai World Cup (Group 1), in which he finished second last year. Valiant Prince (James Doyle) has not yet lost a race this year. The Dubawi son has what it takes to beat everyone.

List Race in Dundalk with Aidan O`Brien

Dundalk, Friday, 3 March: An interesting Listed race is on the programme in Dundalk today. The Patton Stakes (6th race/20.30 h/40,000 Euro/1610 m) is aimed at three-year-old horses and is run over Polytrack.

Aidan O`Brien saddles Cairo (Ryan Moore), his first starter in Europe this year. This is the first appearance for the Quality Road son this year, after he already showed strong performances last year, among others as winner in the Killavullan Stakes (Group 3). In that fixture, the Dermot Weld-trained Tiverton (Colin Keane) was without options, but the three-year-old running for Juddmonte colours was not to disappoint from the break. Cash Out (Dylan Browne McMonagle) improved from start to start and only recently left the Maiden class here. On his previous appearance, Joseph O`Brien`s charge was defeated only by Stormy Entry (Seamie Heffernan), who made a splash on this course back on January 18. All Things Nice (Mikey Sheehy) is a two-time winner last year, but he ended his season early after a last-place finish in the August auction race. News At Ten (W. Lee) is even more likely to surprise as a current track winner, as are Miss Caruso (Ronan Whelan) and Ti Amo Sempre (Ben Coen).

Four-year-olds at Group 3 level to finish

Paris-Vincennes, Thursday, 2 March: The winter meeting in Vincennes is turning into the home straight. Today`s penultimate event features a Group 3 race for four-year-olds in the prize category up to €175,000 with the final Prix Franck Anne (8th race/5.55pm/2700m).

Eleven participants, who have played a rather subordinate role in the vintage so far, will take up the fight for 90,000 euros in prize money. The winner could be Justin Bold (Jean-Francois Senet), whose fourth place in the Prix Ourasi, which counts as Group 1, was the most pleasing. In that fixture, Josh Power (Robin Bouvier) and Joyful Diva (Benjamin Rochard) could be spotted in the back third, but did not run badly considering strong opposition. Jeegha Pride (Theo Duvaldestin) will have plenty of supporters as the winner of the Prix de Riberac (Group 3) over Justin Bold and Japarov Lire (David Thomain), who performed well in the Prix WTW (Course A) on the day of the Prix d`Amérique, and Joyau (Matthieu Abrivard), who disappointed in eighth, are also conceivable at the front. The consistent Jaguar du Goutier (Damien Bonne) and Jet Set Bond (Jean-Michel Bazire), whose explosion of form has been awaited in vain this year, are contenders with a chance of winning.

Eight races in Chantilly

Chantilly, Wednesday 1 March: The Fibersand track in Chantilly will again appear as the venue for eight exciting races today. The Prix du Carrefour Saint-Remy sales race (2nd race/14.30pm/23,000 euros/1300m) appeals to three-year-old horses.

Seven participants move into the boxes and Andre Fabres Balsamand (Malone Favriaux) could come off as the winner. The gelding showed an approach when fourth on his last start on this course, and his allowance rider today puts him among the favourites. Gauss (Cristian Demuro) weighs in at a whopping 13 pounds more. The Bietolini protégé has the class to beat them all, but is competing over sand for the first time. Garden Park (Fabrice Veron) is also a season and dirt debutant. She managed her first win ten months ago on her career debut. Grand Fêtard (Perrine Cheyer) and Chichimadame (Marie Verlon), like Balsamand, will be interesting with low marks. Claertina (Maxime Guyon) won in Deauville a year ago, but could not maintain the form later in three starts. Ilaria (Alexis Pouchin) presents herself for the second time after a pale debut.