German runners in France today

The going will be very testing at today´s two meetings in the Paris area - over jumps at Fontainebleau and on the flat at Saint-Cloud. Main event at the latter track is the Group Three Prix Thomas Bryon for 2yo´s over a mile at 14.4 CET, in which there are only 5 runners. The Monsun colt Maxios (Jonathan Pease/ Christophe Lemaire) is the obvious favourite here, having won in excellent style on his debut.

The two Godolphin runners Grand Vent (by Shirocco) and Shooting Gallery are the dangers. The main supporting feature is the listed race over 2800 metres at 16.15, which looks much more competitive; however the German runner La Tournesol (Ralf Rohne/ Flavien Prat) must have a good each-way chance here. She stays well and being a 3/4 sister to La Boum should act well on heavy ground. There are several more German runners at Saint-Cloud, including 4 in the opening tiercé handicap over 3100 metres at 13.40. This is of course a very open race, but we hope to see Nelson (Sascha Smrczek) finish in the money.

At Fontainebleau we hope to see German-bred and -owned Arriba Arriba run well in the hurdle race for 3yo fillies at 13.55.