 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 du Moulin de Longchamp (S1-1) (Bill Esdaile)
S1-1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
CHARYN looks the obvious starting point in this edition of the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, run over 1,600m. Roger Varian’s 4YO has only been defeated once in five starts this season, most recently winning the G1 Queen Anne Stakes over 1,600m at Royal Ascot and then Deauville’s G1 Prix Jacques le Marois over 1,600m. He showed an impressive turn of foot last time out, outstripping a strong field from the 300m mark to win by a decisive three lengths. That form looks the best on show and a similar performance would make him hard to beat.
Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner NOTABLE SPEECH represents the 3YOs here, who get a weight allowance from their elders. His Guineas success was followed by a disappointing run in the St James’s Palace Stakes over 1,594m at Royal Ascot, but he bounced back to winning ways when landing the G1 Sussex Stakes over 1,600m at Goodwood last time.
The duel between NOTABLE SPEECH and fellow 3YO HENRY LONGFELLOW didn’t materialise at Goodwood, with the latter running below form, and that raises some questions about the strength of the race. HENRY LONGFELLOW didn’t seem to be suited by the way the race developed at Goodwood, as he was forced to make the running and never looked comfortable. Prior to that, Aidan O’Brien’s runner had finished an excellent second in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes and a return to that form would give him every chance. He handles a variety of ground and if this race sets up better for him, he should be involved in the finish.
Christopher Head’s RAMADAN might emerge as best of the French-trained runners. This son of LE HAVRE is lightly raced after only eight starts and still looks to be improving.
Earlier this season he finished a close fifth, ahead of HENRY LONGFELLOW, in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains over 1,600m at ParisLongchamp, form that makes him of interest. He recently returned from a break to win the G3 Prix Daphnis over 1,600m at Deauville, which should have set him up nicely for this race.
TRIBALIST is a solid horse in G2 and G3 races. A battling win in the G2 Prix du Muguet over 1,600m at Saint-Cloud back in May is his best piece of recent form, but he’ll need to improve on that if he’s to achieve more than a minor placing here.
SELECTIONS: 1. CHARYN, 6. NOTABLE SPEECH, 7. HENRY LONGFELLOW, 5. RAMADAN & 2. TRIBALIST
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