Die von Pascal Bary trainierte Natagora, eine der Favoritinnen für die 1.000 Guineas in Newmarket, gibt am Montag in Maisons-Laffitte im Prix Imprudence ihr Saisondebut. Die Listenprüfung über 1400 Meter ist in Frankreich eines der Trials für die Poule d’essai des Pouliches, die französischen 1.000 Guineas.
Trainer Pascal Bary decided to use the straight ‚Les Reservoirs‘ for her work and after her training stint said: ‚I was very pleased with the way she went over six and a half furlongs with one leader, and the filly had a good action even though the going was heavy. All is going well.‘
After Wednesday’s forfeit there were 21 fillies left in the Imprudence, including Zarkava, who is an intended runner in the Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp the day before.
Another Group-class filly likely to take part in the race is Khalid Abdullah’s Modern Look, who ended her juvenile career with a win over course and distance in the Prix Miesque.
The Prix Djebel is nominally the colts‘ trial for the Stan James 2,000 Guineas but none of the horses left in are engaged in the Newmarket Classic.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see War Officer, as he was highly impressive on the all-weather at Deauville last month when winning the Listed Prix Montenica.
The Aga Khan’s Zarkava looks like having a maximum of seven opponents in the SG Private Banking Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp on Sunday, where the going is likely to be, once again, very testing.
The daughter of Zamindar was unbeaten at two, and finished 2007 with a spectacular victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac.
The same sponsor has also added its name to the Prix de Fontainebleau, which attracted 16 colts after the forfeit.
The only previous Group winner in this 1m race is Thewayyouare, but he is expected to go directly for the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.
The Group 3 Prix des Chenes winner Blue Chagall reappears in this event, which Aidan O’Brien is having a look at for five members of his stable.
The master of Ballydoyle has also left two colts in the Group 3 Prix la Force on the same card. One of the favourites for this event will be the Jean-Claude Rouget trained High Rock, who finished his juvenile season with a victory in the Group 3 Prix de Conde.
