As we head into the Spring the Flat season looms into view and we have already started to see some very promising types make their debut in France. The 3-year-olds tend to get started about a month before their British and Irish counterparts do and with that in mind, I've had a look at the debutantes races on Thursday's card at Chantilly. There were at least 5 or 6 names that could go into the tracker from these races, but if you take just a couple, I'd be keen to keep a close eye on both Ilda Rose and Rembrand to Go, who both made a good impression on debut. Here's why;
PRIX DU SOISSONNAIS
*No McLloyd tracking data
Ilda Rose is a half-sister to First Ruler and Imperial Emperor by Lope de Vega. Had to be nudged into the bridle after sitting behind the pace, but once brought wide she did lengthen and stayed on best. Shapes like a mile would be a bare minimum distance and physically appeared to be bigger than most of her rivals, especially in front.
Loveontheleftbank (Barande Barbe) is a US bred filly from the family of Nemoralia. Has run well here and although 3-lengths behind the winner, she has chased her home on the outside and was closing at the line. She appears smaller than the winner, but showed a decent turn-of-foot having sat towards the rear of the pack and been slightly inconvenienced by the winner coming across her. Traveled better than the winner and shaped like a maiden winner in waiting next time. Received 1.5-kilos courtesy of Frida Valle Skar’s claim.
La Flandrine (3rd) raced prominently throughout. Kept on having had an ideal position but perhaps lacked the pace needed when they sprinted. Her dam was rated 45-kilos (Felcine).
Wave (4th) is a No Nay Never half-sister to Arecibo, solid family for the Wertheimer’s. Sat behind the pace and showed a good attitude to go through a gap on the inside, though once there wasn’t able to sustain it. Probably better on the turf and some promise shown.
Stupefiante (6th) was sent off at 1.9 PMU. Had the ideal position, one out one back, but lacked the gears to quicken and Soumillon allowed her to coast home from the moment that she was headed. Dam won her first 2 starts but didn’t race on.
PRIX DU BEAUVAISIS
Vade Mecum (Botti) had already been gelded before this debut. A PMU price of 8.0 suggests he had been showing something at home. A little keen in the opening furlongs but settled nicely once getting a lead. Well placed and didn’t do a great deal in front once there, but always going to win from the furlong pole, though his track position did help. The next 5 horses ran better final furlongs than he did.
Wit (2nd) was the 4.0 Fav on PMU. A Night of Thunder x Pivotal colt, his dam is a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup winner Mischief Magic. Sat behind the lead as Barzalona waited for the cut-away, every chance with the rail and did keep on, without having the speed on debut to run down the winner. Wore a tongue-tie for this debut. Missed earlier entries at Lyon La Soie and Chantilly.
Galiciano (3rd) tracked the leader through and had the winner as a target in the closing stages. Dam was a winner on debut. Ran well but took too long to quicken in the final couple of furlongs. Pulled up quicker than the rest after the line. Suspect that the horses in behind, who ran better final furlongs, might reverse this form with better track position.
Rembrand to Go (4th) is the horse to take. Bred to stay (Shamalgan x Galileo) and sat last throughout. Traveled to the 2-furlong pole and has finished nicely down the outside of runners, passing the 3rd 5-yards after the line. Closed in 11.25, 11.26s (0.35s quicker than the winner). Should win a maiden on this evidence. PMU price 30.0 perhaps a reflection of connections record in maidens rather than ability. Cost just €16k as a yearling.
Tiger (5th) was drawn wide and although breaking well, Soumillon seemed keen to get him some cover. Sat mid-division. Pulled out to challenge, but only under hands ride and whilst this may be seen as an “average” debut, this was a solid education and I would expect him to improve significantly on his 2nd start. Soumillon clearly keen to educate him without using the pro-cush. Already gelded and is perhaps a little fractious at home.
Swingeur (6th) is a Sottsass x Dubawi, but already gelded and the jockey booking (Malone Favriaux) when Barzalona rode in the race, would suggest he isn’t a leading light for Andre Fabre. Received 3.5-kilos courtesy of his riders’ claim. Raced in rear and did make some late ground, coming home in 11.28 and 11.42s. PMU 5.8 perhaps reflects connections rather than breeding?