September has arrived and along with the early autumnal showers, there is a distinct feeling that Jumps racing is about to move back to centre stage. The first meeting at Auteuil is only a few days away and we warmed up for that with 3 competitive hurdle races at Lyon-Parilly this morning. On paper, these races didn't leap off the page, with nothing higher than a class 3 event on offer, but having watched the races live and then added some analysis to it, there is much more to this form than meets the eye. The headlines were made by Jour Polaire and Bella Luna, who produced top class performances, but there were a couple of horses who chased them home that may well be making their own headlines at Auteuil in the weeks to come.
Here are my notes from this mornings card;
"Collant 4,2"
Winner | Race Terms | Time | Réduction Km | Final Circuit |
Jour Polaire | 5YO+ C3 Hurdle (<€20k) | 297.72 | 74.43 | 126.85 |
Shanyadame | 3YO Hurdle C4 | 255.15 | 75.40 | 129.33 |
Bella Luna | 4YO C3 Hurdle (<€15k) | 256.26 | 75.37 | 129.85 |
PRIX DU MONT THOU
A clear win for Jour Polaire, a 40-rated Flat performer who had been 5th in a G3 at Deauville last month. Shaped like the fittest horse in the race and once on terms was always in command when hitting the front at the 2nd last. Le Lude (2nd), was having his first start since failing to finish in a couple of graded chases at Auteuil back in December. Made the running with Greatta (4th), setting fair fractions and was the only horse to really ask any questions of the winner. Kept on to hold 2nd place and shaped like a horse who will improve for this. The one to take with the autumn season in mind.
Karl Philippe (3rd), on his first start since switching from Fergal O’Brien to Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, ran on to finish 3rd without ever having the pace needed to trouble the winner. Probably didn’t do any harm to his future handicap marks to avoid getting too close to the winner.
PRIX DE FROMAINVILLE
Shanyadame, another winner for Arnaud Chaille-Chaille, dominated by controlling the pace in front. He was sent for home a long way out but was always holding Mon Petit Prince (2nd) despite being briefly joined between the final 2 flights and they pulled a long way clear.
PRIX DU MONT CINDRE
A very dominant display from the unexposed Bella Luna, who made the vast majority of the running and kicked readily clear. Kate to Win (2nd), made a rally promising debut for Hugo Merienne, closing to within 2-lengths of the winner in the straight before tiring late on. A winner in waiting at this level on this evidence. She is a Walk in the Park filly from the family of Lyreen Legend.
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