3 minute read

Preview: Prix Des Drags.

Following the excitement of the G1 Grand Steeplechase des Paris (6000m), Group racing returns to Auteuil with the G2 Prix des Drags Chase (4400m). We look at each runner and analyse their chance...

Edgeoy 

Edgeoy bounced back to winning ways in the G3 Prix Journaliste (4100m) at Compiegne in early May and followed up with a useful second in the G3 Prix Romati (4500m) at the same track. He's a proven winner at Auteuil and is very capable of going close at this level. 

Fanfaron Special

Fanfaron Special is having his first start among level-weights Group company after two big wins in top-class handicaps including the G3 Prix du Président de la République (4700m) at Auteuil on 25 April. In 2020, he placed third in the Listed Prix Fondeur (4400m) at Auteuil over the same course and distance as this contest and he could be competitive. 

Feu Follet 

On form, Feu Follet is arguably the best horse in the race with good results in top-class contests. He fell at the open ditch in the 2021 G1 Grand Steeplechase De Paris (6000m) but finished third in the 2020 renewal in October 2020. With a proven record at this grade, he must be a leading player if completing cleanly. 

Gardons Le Sourire 

Although Gardons Le Sourire is without a win since his victory in the G1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (4500m) in June 2020, the five-year-old is racing with credit. He has been kept to easier competition since the start of 2021, including a third in a high-grade conditions hurdle (3600m) at Auteuil on 29 May. Gardons Le Sourire reverts to fences which may spark improvement and does not lack for ability.    

Poly Grandchamp 

Poly Grandchamp is racing well in Group events and comes into this race following a fifth in the G2 Prix Murat (4400m) behind Ajas. This consistent place performer in Group Two and Group Three contests faces tough opposition.    

Royalclety 

Royalclety has been finishing downfield in Black Type events and may need to find more to feature in the closing stages. 

WINNER – FEU FOLLET 

DARK HORSE – GARDONS LE SOURIRE