Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in overseas international racing. Bringing with him a wealth of racing knowledge, Simon is the host and race caller for the overseas simulcast programme since 2008/09 season. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including, ‘Racing Horizon’ and ‘Horse Racing – Results’.

Chantilly Racecourse – Track Analysis (Prix de Diane):


Chantilly Racecourse is one of the major racing venue and training centre in Paris. Traditionally, the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de Diane have all been staged at Chantilly.

Similar to ParisLongchamp, Chantilly is a deceiving strip that virtually sees no end from rail to rail. For the 2100m Prix de Diane field to navigate this clockwise course, sophomores will jockey for positions through an 800m straight before hitting the first corner in the form of a brief, slightly ascending elbow. Then, through another 200m straight, the field will face a tight, wicked far turn that has seen many starters to lose precious ground by launching a prematurely wide move. Finally, the field will race for all their worth in one grueling dog-fight of a 600m homestretch, and is definitely a genuine test of both acceleration and stamina.

In the 2018 edition of the Prix de Diane contested on good to soft ground, eventual winner LAURENS, who was exposed shortly after the break, and forced to wing it while caught three-deep, with two fillies flaunting speed to the inside of her on the first flight, still saved enough for the stretch drive to hold off all challenges in a thrilling finish; while MUSIS AMICA, who dropped towards the back early, rallied from out wide to close for second; and HOMERIQUE, laying just off the speed with cover for most of the trip, could only settle for third.

Though sunny as of late, with looming showers that is expected to toil through the Paris area about three days before Sunday, according to the latest forecasts, this year’s running of the Prix de Diane – even if good weather returns just in time – may still be contested on soft turf. The official going, as listed this Sunday, will have a direct bearing on the final selections.

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