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The saying, “safety in numbers,” holds a lot of truth.
This approach has been effective for Willie Mullins, and now Aidan O’Brien is employing the same strategy for the upcoming French Classics on Sunday.
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In the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas), O’Brien fields Henri Matisse, Camille Pissarro, and Serengeti, who is expected to act as a pacemaker.
For the Group 1 Poule de’Essai des Pouliches, O’Brien includes Exactly, Bedtime Story, Merrily, and Heavens Gate. Wham Bam!
The Poulains promises to be thrilling, featuring outstanding horses like Greenham winner Jonquil, Jessica Harrington’s talented Hotazhell, and Godolphin’s Aomori City, who faced Field of Gold in the Craven.
Both Henri Matisse and Camille Pissarro stand a good chance.
The former had a standout performance winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar last November, where Aomori City placed third.
Camille Pissarro has been consistently favored in his races, with his longest odds occurring during his victory in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at this venue.
Field Of Gold came fourth that day, while the other competitor, Misunderstood, took third.
Camille Pissarro had a preparatory race at the Curragh on March 29, finishing second under a penalty, showing impressive stamina.
Detain and Luther are set to compete after finishing first and second at Chelmsford.
On paper, both have much to prove, but I believe Luther will come out on top.
This renewal looks fascinating. I wouldn’t be surprised if Aomori City gives a notable performance.
In the Pouliches, all attention is on Zarigana from the esteemed Francis-Henri Graffard.
The Siyouni filly, out of a Frankel mare, has ties to superstar Zarkava but suffered an unexpected defeat in the Prix Marcel Boussac during Arc weekend.
She went off at 1-2 that day and seemed to struggle.
This season, she came back to beat Shes Perfect, who will race again for Charlie Fellowes and Kieran Shoemark, in the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte.
This trial for the Pouliches usually provides valuable insights, and it’s possible Zarigana is simply overly talented. She will need to charge late.
Bedtime Story once looked like a promising prospect for O’Brien, winning the Chesham at Royal Ascot by nearly ten lengths.
At that moment, she appeared unstoppable.
However, she faced defeats in both the Moyglare and Marcel Boussac thereafter.
It’s plausible that she thrives when fresh.
Exactly is more seasoned but was defeated in a Group 3 at Leopardstown in March.
She’ll need to step up significantly to secure this race, but may show substantial progress from that performance.
Graffard also leans on the unbeaten Mandanaba, sired by current star, Ghaiyyath. If it becomes a true test of stamina, few can match her speed.
This Saturday at home, the Lingfield Derby and Oaks Trials take center stage, with the Victoria Cup at Ascot standing out as an exciting betting event.
In the Oaks trial, with only three contenders, it would be shocking if Giselle (1.15 Lingfield) doesn’t win convincingly for O’Brien.
There are concerns about a first-time hood, but Giselle is already superior on paper and is bred to excel with age and distance.
The Frankel filly last raced in a Group 3 at the Curragh, where she encountered a blocked path, finishing fourth (later promoted to third) behind her stablemate Whirl.
She experienced a minor training setback prior to that race and likely has more to offer.
In the colts equivalent, Stay True might have significant potential, but I lean toward the experienced O’Brien stablemate, Puppet Master (3.00 Lingfield), who appears ready for this distance.
Puppet Master displayed good stamina in his last race, finishing fourth behind Delacroix at Leopardstown in the Ballysax, indicating he has more to give.
With experience, he should navigate this track without issues.
At Ascot, I’ll take a chance on Metal Merchant (2.40) not being too affected by the quick ground in the Victoria Cup.
Yet, my top bet of the day is at Haydock in the Swinton Handicap Hurdle.
Lanesborough (1.35 Haydock) may be inexperienced but could be well placed off 116.
He’s an impressive improver, finishing second off 103 before winning decisively off 108 at Warwick over a slightly longer distance.
I can envision him performing well off a strong pace under Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. After six races, he may have much more to reveal.
There are plenty of opportunities in the Swinton for additional betting.
Good luck and Yeeehaaa!
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