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Statistic Of The Week of French Racing News - 17th June 2021.

With the potential of almost a capacity field for the G1 Prix de Diane, we look at the record of the starting barriers over the 2100m distance on turf at Chantilly to identify if there is a big advantage or disadvantage to a starting area. The numbers in the table are showing all seasons from the available data.  

Looking at the overall win strike rates, the general trend is that the best gates numbers to have is below seven, with the overall stall to aim to draw being six. This gate has the highest number of winners and strike rate. However, this is only a small margin of advantage.  

So, to win over this 2100m trip, it is best to have a stall number between one and seven, however are the placings any different? The place strike rate is more consistent with the first ten all having at least over 20% with the highest being gate five at 38.6%. This is no surprise as the further you are away from the inside rail, the harder the journey is either being forced deep on the track or at the rear of the field.  

Despite Chantilly's set of stalls accommodating almost twenty before a second set is required, it is notable how the place strike rate drops off quickly from gate eleven with stall thirteen bucking that trend.  

Ahead of the big event this Sunday at Chantilly, it may be worthwhile checking the draw for the field as the low numbers do have a slight advantage at both winning over the journey and making the frame.