One of the little quirks of French Racing is the way that they run their AQPS races, essentially a bumper, on Flat cards rather than the Jumps. In fact in Ireland, form from these races is considered to be Flat form and as such these horses are excluded from running in bumpers when they are recruited. It's a different approach to be sure, but from an analysis point of view it is a fantastic setup as it allows for direct comparison between the AQPS times and those of the Flat-bred horses. If you have been following this blog or my social media content for a while, you may remember that I highlighted the performance of Intense Raffles when he won an AQPS Flat race at Argentan in 2021, producing a faster finishing speed than the 6-furlong handicappers on the same card. Now I cannot claim to have thought that he would reach the heights that he has purely on that one piece of evidence, but it does show the value of studying these races and having something tangible to compare them to.
On Monday, we were treated to a couple of these races at Moulins and then later at Argentan. Both races look likely to produce further winners, but it was the winning debut of Leelou Baie at Moulins which proved to be most worthy of attention. Having watched thousands of French races over the years, there aren't too many performance that leave me speechless, but this was one such occasion. There are no other words to use other than to say that she bolted up. If you only watch one French race this week, make sure it is the replay of the Prix Video Rock at Moulins.
Here are my notes on both AQPS races;
Moulins
Bon Souple 3,4
Winner | Race Terms | Time | Réduction Km | Final Circuit |
Leelou Baie | 3YO AQPS | 166.70 | 69.45 | 131.62 |
Kingdom | 4YO+ H’cap C4 (€8500) | 143.90 | 65.40 | 126.46 |
PRIX VIDEO ROCK
Leelou Baie winning on debut having tracked the early pace. Cantering as they turned for home but had to wait for gaps on the inside before coming through to win with a fair amount in hand. A Tiger Groom Half-sister to 3 winners, including 2 AQPS Flat. Lord St Georges (3rd) raced directly in front of the winner, keeping on without having the same turn-of-foot. Larzand (2nd) came from slightly further back, making a wider challenge and covering more ground. Would look to be a winner in waiting.
PRIX DE LIGNIERES
Kingdom has an OR 31-kilos. Came from Mid-Division to win this handicap by 2-lengths, a 5th career success.
Argentan
Bon Souple 3,3
Winner | Race Terms | Time | Réduction Km | Final Circuit |
La Grande Malice | 3YO AQPS | 174.40 | 69.76 | 103.40 |
Lord Des Bordes | 3YO “NHF” | 169.90 | 67.96 | 107.59 |
PRIX HUBERT BASSOT
La Grande Malice went the shortest way, tracking the leader, Loreto, who eventually faded into 5th place. Once in front, La Grande Malice held on despite her rider easing up before the line and allowing Lili D’Angos (2nd) to lunge late. Given that the winner had first run and the benefit of experience, this was a very pleasing debut from the Peltier horse, who looks likely to pick up another AQPS race in the coming weeks.
Leika (3rd) also made a solid start to his career, though perhaps needs slightly softer ground.
PRIX DE CAGNES-SUR-MER
Debut win for Lord des Bordes, a Cokoriko half-brother to Jupiter des Bordes. Having hit the front, he appeared to idle and just held on from Happy People and Gino’s Line in a tight finish (3 spread across the track). Race developed into a sprint, Finishing Speed of 121.03% left no chance for anything held further back, with Gino’s Line producing the best finish.
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