 Expert - Bill Esdaile | |
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| Bill Esdaile has worked in racing journalism in the United Kingdom for over 20 years. He began his working career at the Sporting Life back in 1995, and has since worked for the Racing Post, The Sportsman, and is currently racing editor of London-based City AM. He is a keen form student, and will bring a unique insight into the major European races. | |
Expert Column for Prix du Jockey Club (S2-1) (Bill Esdaile)
S2-1 Prix du Jockey Club
The barrier draw for the Prix du Jockey Club was masked in controversy as the original draw was declared void after it emerged a horse not declared for the race had been included.
A second French Classic looked sure to be heading the way of MODERN GAMES in the 2,100m Prix du Jockey Club when he originally landed barrier 8, but life has become a lot tougher from barrier 13. Charlie Appleby's Godolphin star won the Poule d'Essai des Poulains with a most straightforward performance over 1,600m at ParisLongchamp three weeks ago. That was his second G1 victory after his Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf win over 1,600m in America last November. His pedigree and run style suggests this step up to 2,100m for the first time won't be a problem, but the draw is crucial over this distance at Chantilly.
WELWAL could finish only sixth behind MODERN GAMES in the ParisLongchamp Classic - Poule d'Essai des Poulains. He wasn't anywhere near as well positioned from his middle draw and he was staying on in good style in the closing stages. His previous victory in a ParisLongchamp G3 Prix de Fontainebleau over 1,600m marked him down as a progressive colt and he looks ready for this longer distance. Having first drawn barrier 14, he has been allotted barrier 6 this time around so has to be a serious contender.
ANCIENT ROME had been disappointing when only sixth behind WELWAL in that race. He had pulled too hard through the early stages of that return to action and he ran much better when fourth in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains over 1,600m. He kept on all the way down the straight but Andre Fabre's runner just lacked the pace to trouble MODERN GAMES. There's no doubt that he is likely to improve for his first try over 2,100m and he clearly has plenty of class as he was only beaten a head by ANGEL BLEU in the G1 Criterium International on very soft ground at Saint Cloud last October.
AL HAKEEM takes a big step up in class but he looked very good when landing a 2,000m Listed race at Chantilly last month. He's rapidly improving and completed a hat-trick of wins with an impressive display of acceleration to pull four lengths clear of YOOZUNA. There's more to come from him.
LASSAUT – like AL HAKEEM and WELWAL – is trained by Jean-Claude Rouget. He's won the Prix du Jockey Club three times in the last six years and LASSAUT adds to his strong hand this season. He didn't get much luck when fifth behind MODERN GAMES in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and the winner had flown by the time he managed to find some daylight. The longer distance of this race will suit him better.
SELECTIONS: 7. MODERN GAMES, 3. WELWAL, 12. ANCIENT ROME, 10. LASSAUT, 2. AL HAKEEM
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