Both the 1000 and 2000 Guineas take place today at
Longchamp, while in Leopardstown preparations are being made for Epsom, as well
as for Guineas weekend at the Curragh, with the Derby Trial and the 1000 Guineas
Trial.
2.08 – Longchamp
– Poule Dessai Des Pouliches
The Pule Dessai Des Pouliches is the French equivalent of
the 1000 Guineas. Favourite Lesstalk In Paris ran very well on her return,
performing to the consistent level for which she has become known since her
racecourse debut last August. She won well that day and followed up the next
month with another win, again over the mile, having come on a great amount for
her first start. She then ran to that same high standard last October, taking
to Longchamp fantastically, but only managing second that day. Still, the
performance itself was not to be scoffed at – it was as good, if not better, as
her previous start.
She ran again at Longchamp on her return this season and
seems to be just as good as she was a 2yo. Consistency and solid form are vital
going into a classic, and Lesstalk In Paris is the one that stands out there.
At a nicer price, Veda also loves Longchamp, and showed on her return to action
here last month that she can be as good as any horse in this field on her day.
Consistency is not her strong point, but her class stands out clearly. 10/1 is
value for an each-way bet, although there are question marks over soft ground.
Lesstalk In Paris 9/2
Veda E/W 10/1
2.45 Longchamp –
Poules Dessai Des Poulains
In the French 2000 Guineas, it looks again like the
favourite could be the one to be on, with Karakontie simply looking like the
horse they’re going to have to beat. He came a good 2nd last time
out over this same course and distance, picking up where he left off last
season with a good run that any horse in this field will find hard to match,
never mind beat. He will handle the soft ground better than some, stay the trip
better than some, and has a nice low draw. It could be a closer affair than some predict, but Karakontie still looks the most likely to come out on top.
As for an each-way bet, it’s hard to pick one out – Kiram isn’t
much value but looks to be in which a chance, while you could make a case that
Pornichet and Prestige Vendome are overpriced and perhaps of interest. However,
the one that I’m interested in is Salai 28/1, a smart horse who is running
against opponents who are theoretically thought to be better than him. I think
that if he can run to the standard which he has set in the past, he could give
some of the bigger names and better fancied horses a run for their money.
Karakontie 15/8
Salai E/W 28/1
(Optional French
Guineas Double: Lesstalk In Paris + Karakontie)
3.55
Leopardstown – Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial – Group 3 – 1m 2f
With The Obliterator withdrawn this morning following heavy
rain overnight at Leopardstown, this race should be made a simpler one… but it’s
not. Geoffrey Chaucer and Fascinating Rock seem to have as much a chance as each
other, while Ebanoran shouldn’t be discounted at longer odds. With little to
find between the top two, it’s Fascinating Rock that gets the vote, based on
his liking for softer ground and the flying form of the stable of Dermot Weld,
which is stark contrast to the slow start to the season by Ballydoyle. In a tough race, I still wouldn't be lumping on.
Fascinating Rock 2/1
As always, best of luck and don’t bet more than you can
afford to lose.
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