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).