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Group Action - Longchamp, Auteuil & Vincennes.
In addition to the G2 Prix des Drags Chase (4400m) and G2 Prix Louis Jariel (2175m), this weekend includes multiple Group races including the G2 Prix Chambon P (Vincennes), G3 Prix la Coupe (Longchamp) and the G2 Prix La Barka (Auteuil).
On Saturday, Vincennes stages the G2 Prix Chambon P (2850m) which has attracted a field of ten top-quality individuals. Etonnant (Timoko) – winner of the G1 Grand Prix de Paris (4150m) earlier in the season – produced a dominant front-running performance to easily land the G2 Prix des Ducs de Normandie (2450m) at Caen on previous start. He had the reopposing Davidson du Pont (Pacha du Pont) safely held in second, with Dorgos de Guez (Romcok de Guez) a keeping-on fourth. Chica de Joudes (Jag de Bellouet) was a late disqualification after travelling well into the final straight.
Etonnant should take plenty of beating if in the same form and Davidson du Pont looks to be heading in the right direction after some below par efforts. Diable de Vauvert (Prince d'Espace) finished fourth in the G3 Prix de Bois de Vincennes in March and is one to note having been kept specifically with this race in mind. Dorgos de Guez is entitled to go close returning to his favourite circuit. One who can challenge for a place is Détroit Castelets after three consecutive placings in similar company, including a close runner-up behind Davidson du Pont over 2700m at this track two starts ago.
The 74th edition of the Prix La Barka (4300m) takes place at Auteuil this weekend, now more commonly known as the consolation race for the G1 Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil (5100m). This race has been largely dominated by Willie Mullins in previous years. The chance of an Irish winner this season however is slim with only the regressive Laurina (Spanish Moon) travelling over. Françoise Nicolle has a strong hand in the race with four entries, headed by impressive 2020 La Barka winner Porto Pollo (Manduro) who raced away by eight lengths. He has retuned in mixed form this campaign but looks sure to have been targeting back-to-back victories. Polirico (Cokoriko) won the G3 Prix Juigne (3600m) three starts ago and is worth considering at a track he has shown a liking for, while Aragorn d'Alalia takes a sharp rise in grade after a Compiegne hurdle success.
Garasil (Blue Bresil) is an intriguing runner for owner Catherine Coiffier, aiming to win both big spring hurdles at Auteuil. Her superstar mare L'Autonomie dominated the G1 Grande Course des Haies d'Auteuil (5300m) by 30 lengths three weeks ago. François-Marie Cottin saddles Corazones (Nidor), who is firmly in the mix after showing his best form at this venue, including a Listed hurdle victory here two starts ago. Gold Allen scored in the Listed Prix le Parisien (3900m) here on previous outing and demands respect for notable connections. Zurekin (Martaline) has been a model of consistency this campaign and is steadily progressive. He is not dismissed for a placing in this higher standard.
The G3 Prix La Coupe (2000m) will race at Longchamp this Sunday (June 13) for the second time since transferred from the closed Maisons-Laffitte racecourse. This season's renewal looks a competitive affair, headlined by G1 Dubai World Cup (2000m) third Magny Cours (Medaglia d'Oro). The Godolphin-owned six-year-old should be more at home over this increased distance having finished a fast-finishing second in the Listed Prix de Montretout over 1600m at this track subsequently. Another André Fabre-trained and Godolphin-owned runner comes in the shape of Algiers (Shamardal), who finished last in the G2 Prix d'Harcourt (2000m) when stepping up in class.
Last term's winner, Glycon (Le Havre), is back to defend his crown after a short neck win for Jean-Claude Rouget, subsequent to a fair fifth in the G2 Prix d'Harcourt (2000m). He is much respected. Iresine (Manduro) is a fascinating runner for Jean-Paul Gauvin, winning his previous six contests, including in the Listed Prix Bedel (2400m) at Lyon-Parilly last month. This is the acid test, raised in class again but he is a rapidly-improving performer and deserves this chance. Hurricane Dream bounced back to form in a Class One at Saint-Cloud in April and is not to be dismissed with placed form over course and distance previously. Pao Alto (Intello) has been keeping good company in his short career. His runner-up effort in a Bordeaux Listed event over 1900m last start was a step in the right direction. Control Tower (Youmzain) has filled the second spot in his two previous Listed attempts, while Grand Glory proved unable to land a blow in the G3 Prix Allez France (2000m) when last seen. She has scored at Listed level at this venue so should not be ruled out.
