 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
For once, the draw will be of less importance in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, as only 11 horses are going to the start of the 2,100m Classic.
French trainer Pascal Bary, who has won the race six times, is saddling the unbeaten FEED THE FLAME, who is the least experienced horse in this small field as he has only had two starts. A big individual, the son of KINGMAN had to be supplemented for the race, as he hadn’t even made his debut when entries were made for this race. Since then, he has progressed well, winning his first start, which was run over the same trip as the Prix du Jockey Club, by five and a half lengths. He was again impressive on his second start, a race over 2,150m, where the runner-up has since added a G3 race to his name. Hence, FEED THE FLAME’s bid in the French Classic looks very promising.
The horse to beat is the Christopher Head-trained BIG ROCK, who is unbeaten in four starts this season and comes from a yard that only three weeks ago added the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches by BLUE ROSE CEN to its growing number of high-profile victories. BIG ROCK, who came to Head at the beginning of the season, won the G3 Prix de Guiche over 1,800m by five lengths in heavy ground. The only question about this rapidly improving colt is if he can be equally effective on better ground and over the slightly longer trip.
The Andreas Schutz-trained MARHABA YA SANAFI will try to emulate ST MARK’S BASILICA when he attempts the Poule d’Essai des Poulains and Prix du Jockey Club double. The son of MUHAARAR sprung a surprise by winning the first French Classic Poule d'Essai des Poulains over 1,600m of the season in very soft conditions and the longer trip in the Prix du Jockey Club must be a concern for connections.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained horses were not competitive on their last trip to Prix du Jockey Club, but the G2 Dante Stakes over 2,051m third CONTINUOUS should have his word to say in the G1 race this year. Already a French G3 winner on his final start last season over 1,600m at Saint Cloud, he will have improved from his seasonal reappearance at York this year.
Jean-Claude Rouget saddles three colts, including ACE IMPACT who is unbeaten in three starts. A winner of the 2,000m Listed Prix de Suresnes, he might not have been as impressive as FEED THE FLAME, but he has all the right attributes to give his sire CRACKSMAN a Classic winner.
SELECTIONS: 11. BIG ROCK, 5. FEED THE FLAME, 9. CONTINUOUS, 6. ACE IMPACT & 2. MARHABA YA SANAFI
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