Two highlights at Cagnes sur Mer

Two listed races today at Cagnes sur Mer are the feature races of the first top card of the season. The Prix de la Californie for 3yo´s at 14.20 over 1500 metres should go to Sheikh Hamdan´ s Istimlaak (John Hammond/ Yann Lerner), an impressive winner here last time. There is a much stronger field for the Grand Prix de la Riviera Cote d´Azur over 2000 metres at 15.25, the best fibregrass race of the whole meeting. Multiple group winner Cirrus des Aigles (Corinne Barande-Barbe/ Franck Blondel) is the class act here and is using this race as a prep for a Group One in Dubai, but has to give away 3 kilos and more all round, never easy in this grade. Ex-German Sky Crusader (Narkus Nigge/ Thomas Huet) faces a stiff task in this company, but Slickly Royal (Demercastel/ Pasquier) looks a big threat at these weights.

There are no German runners in the two listed races, but several on the undercard, and we would not be surprised to see Enzio (Werner Baltromei/ Marc Lerner) in the amateur riders race at 14.50 and Noblement (Mario Hofer/ Gaetan Masure) in the mile claimer at 15.55 both run well at decent odds.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: She Say`s - Komilfo - Yosolito
2. Race: Istimlaak - Tagar Bere - Ruler Of My Heart
3. Race: Jack Junior - Enzio - Black Rose
4. Race: Cirrus des Aigles - Tangaspeed - Eire
5. Race: Fire Flyer - Val d`Espoir - Wunderkind
6. Race: Allez Bailey - Desert Ocean - Zibeling
7. Race: Douceur Nocturne - Magic Sport - Al Koun
8. Race: Miss Denmark - Flashmob - La Biriquina