 Expert - Bill Esdaile | |
|---|---|
| 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 d'Ispahan (S2-1) (Bill Esdaile)
S2-1 Prix d'Ispahan
This year’s G1 Prix d’Ispahan over 1,850m looks a highly competitive event.
Perhaps the best starting point is the returning BLUE ROSE CEN, who had such an impressive season in 2023, winning three times at the highest level. Two of those three wins came at ParisLongchamp, with the first being a smooth success in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches over 1,600m and the second coming on her final start of the season when landing the G1 Prix de l’Opera over 2,000m. While she does face some rivals that have had recent runs, she won first time up last season and has the class to go very close on her return.
Legendary trainer Andre Fabre has won this race a record nine times and he fields a strong contender in the improving MQSE DE SEVIGNE. She was a winner on her reappearance over this course and distance in the Listed Prix Jacques Laffitte when only having to be pushed out to score with a good bit in hand. That was hardly surprising given she had won twice in G1 company last season, in the Prix Rothschild over 1,600m and then Prix Jean Romanet over 2,000m, both at Deauville. She then finished runner-up in the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes over 1,600m at Newmarket in October. Her run last time should ensure she is in peak condition for this, and she should run a good race.
HORIZON DORE is another high-class runner who has won six of his 13 career starts to date. However, the Patrice Cottier-trained 4YO has so far failed to make the breakthrough in three starts at G1 level. He came within less than a length of doing so last time out though in the G1 Prix Ganay over 2,100m at ParisLongchamp last month, when staying on strongly behind HAYA ZARK. HORIZON DORE didn’t have the clearest of runs through the field that day and might be able to reverse the form if ridden more prominently over this shorter trip.
That said, HAYA ZARK looks an improved horse this season, winning a G3 at Saint-Cloud over 2,000m on his reappearance, before toughing it out last time at ParisLongchamp to win on his first time of asking in a G1. If in similar form, he should run another big race.
Another improving horse is Francis-Henri Graffard’s DOLAYLI, who having won three handicaps over 1,900m already this season. DOLAYLI made the step into Group company when finishing third in the G2 Prix du Muguet at Saint-Cloud last time out. Granted further improvement he looks capable of hitting the frame.
SELECTIONS: 8. BLUE ROSE CEN, 7. MQSE DE SEVIGNE, 4. HORIZON DORE, 3. HAYA ZARK & 2. DOLAYLI
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