When you study French form, it's important to use France Galop. That is the only site that really offers a full and in-depth view of French form. The case of Static, who makes his UK debut for Olly Muprhy at Wetherby on Friday, is a perfect example. Many of the UK sites are reporting that he "ran-out" on his latest start at Lyon in September. I must admit that I initially thought he had too, but Sam Sutton soon put me right on twitter. In fact the saddle had slipped when turning for home and his rider, Nicolas Gauffenic, quickly took evasive action to avoid the cut-away rail at Lyon before eventually regaining his balance and completing the course. Having watched the replay a couple of times, I think he would probably have won that race and he is certainly not without a chance in the Wensleydale at Wetherby on Friday. Here are my notes on Olly Murphy's latest French recruit.
STATIC
3YO Gelding
Clovis du Berlais x Electrostatique (Charming Groom)
6th Foal. Half-brother to P2P winner Pragmatic. Dam a once-race maiden. Half-sister to 6 winners including Listed Hurdlers Royale Cazoumaille and Inoxe Royale
Form: 6213S16 , €38,040 career earnings.
New Connections: Olly Murphy, Mark & Maria Adams.
Notes: 3-year-old gelding by Clovis du Berlais. Began life in claiming company, winning on his 3rd start at Auteuil in May, making most of the running despite running down his hurdles and hanging to his left in the closing stages. Looked an awkward ride at that point, but did have enough ability to hold on despite racing away from the stands side rail.
Slipped up at Clairefontaine on his first try over fences in July but showed no ill-effect when returned to hurdles at Auteuil on 10th September to win another Claimer. Made all the running again and jumped much straighter, though it should be noted that Alexandre Chesneau was keen to keep him on the inside rail so that there was no opportunity to shift to his left. Still looked awkward under pressure in the closing stages with his head hung to the right, but kept moving forwards to win by 4-lengths. Form has worked out well as the 4th placed Bellodam has won since and the 3rd placed Livano Bello has now been sold to join Micky Hammond in the UK.
Moved to Davide Satalia, he was turned out just 5 days later for a 3-year-old Chase at Lyon Parilly. Racing Post reported that he “Ran-out” but this is not correct. Having jumped well in front, he was still in the lead and going best when turning for home, but the saddle slipped and his rider had to take evasive action to avoid the inside rail. He regained his balance and did eventually complete (would probably have won in my opinion).
Arrives in the UK with a mark of 129 (64.5 kg) which perhaps flatters him slightly and comes from a 10-length 3rd to D’Jins in a Class 1 hurdle race in June, but has consistently shown himself able to run to a mark of 120+. Make his UK debut in the Listed Wensleydale hurdle at Wetherby. Given the prize-money earned in France and the fact that he isn’t a maiden, this looks to be a more sensible approach than running in a 3-year-old hurdle under a big weight.
Key Races
Prix Frascati - Auteuil - 25/6/24 - 3rd
Prix Le Gourzy - Auteuil - 10/9/24 - 1st
Prix des Monts du Livradois - Lyon Parilly 15/9/24 - 6th
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