Whilst everyone else is focussing on the National Hunt season, French Racing fans are treated to an early start to the Flat turf season with the 6-week meeting at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. Whilst it might be considered to be a low key way to start the year, the likes of Ace Impact (Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe 2023) and Lazzat (Prix Maurice de Gheest 2024) have begun their 3-year-old campaigns at the track in recent years. We began last Monday with some very interesting 3-year-old maidens on the turf track. As a general rule, it is important to look out for anything that Jean-Claude Rouget runs here as he tends to get his string out much earlier than most of the major yards based in the North. He had an impressive 8-length winner on the card (Dioptase), but the Fillies maiden over the same course and distance did look to be the stronger race. Here are my notes on both the Prix de Caucade and the Prix de Fabron.
Going: Tres Souple 3,8
Winner | Time | Réduction KM | Final 3-furlongs |
Isneauville | 95.72 | 63.81 | 35.72 |
Dioptase | 98.45 | 65.63 | 35.51 |
Silius | 93.96 | 62.64 | 36.39 |
PRIX DE CAUCADE
Inédits race. Isneauville is a Le Havre filly out of Ickymasho (rated 44). Taken back from start to sit behind the pace, switched with 3-furlongs to run and readily ran down the second under hands ride in the final 2-furlongs. Closed in 11.53 and 11.89. 3.4 PMU.
Asherah (2nd) made most and was 3-lengths clear with 2-furlongs to go but couldn’t sustain the effort. Still worth noting that she finished clear of the rest.
Jean-Claude Rouget ran 2. Dalynska (3rd) did run on nicely at the finish under Coralie Pacaut but took time to quicken and her head carriage looked awkward when she was initially asked for an effort. Grecian Comet (5th) was sent off the shorter price of the pair, but struggled to go the early pace before keeping on, already shaping like she needs further.
PRIX DE FABRON
A more slowly run race than the Fillies, but an 8-length win for Dioptase (New Bay) on debut. Clearly has ability and anything Jean-Claude Rouget runs here needs to be noted, but the time (2.73s slower than the Prix de Caucade) would perhaps suggest this wasn’t the deepest race given the winning margin and the fact he was only 0.21s faster than Isneauville over the final 3-furlongs.
Dioptase made all, having the rail to help around the bend before kicking clear. Slow pace, which resulted in 4 of the first 5 home racing prominently throughout. Le Roi Rene (4th) did make some headway from the rear, but only minor improvement.
PRIX LOUIS GAUTIER VIGNAL
Silius has a rating of 45-kilos and had been 4th in a Listed race at Deauville in November prior to this. He is now 3-7 but perhaps isn’t up to pattern racing. Dictated in front before kicking clear with 2-furlongs to run.
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