This will be a relatively short blog post. Having looked through the racing in the French Provinces last weekend, there didn't appear to be a great deal that stood out and there is probably more value to be found studying the Premium meetings from Dieppe and Deauville.
However, the 7-race Flat card at Nort-Sur-Erdre did offer some interest, especially in the concluding Prix ASAP Assurance Generali, a 3-year-old AQPS Flat race. Both the winner, Lynx des Genievres and the runner-up, Layon des Obeaux, look like they might have some further improvement to come and there is no doubt that a hurdles career will beckon for both at some point. Here are my notes and time comparisons from the card:
Bon Souple 3,3
Winner | Race Terms | Furlong Average | Réduction Km | Final Circuit |
RImja | 3YO Maiden 1,800m | 12.61 | 63.60 | 90.13 |
Alnoory Star | 3YO Claimer 1,800m | 12.35 | 61.77 | 89.20 |
Natchitoches | 4YO Conds. C4 1,800m | 12.85 | 64.24 | 88.73 |
Delta Spirit | 5YO+ Conds. C4 1,800m | 12.30 | 61.51 | 87.50 |
Risk It All | 3YO “NHF” Conds. 3,200m | 14.12 | 70.60 | 93.75 |
Grappa | 3YO Claimer 2,500m | 13.21 | 66.40 | 90.22 |
Lynx des Genievres | 3YO AQPS 2,500m | 13.53 | 67.68 | 94.90 |
Rimja controlled the pace of the 3YO maiden before kicking readily clear to win by 5-lengths from C Comme Ca. They both have an official rating of 32-kilos and whilst this might be a slight improvement from the winner, it is nothing to get too excited about.
Natchitoches has a rating of 37-kilos. This was a return from a 9-month absence, though he was weighted to go well at this level as might be expected. Took every yard to get in front of Surrey Noir (Donworth).
Lynx Des Genievres was still green at times (2nd start), but having pulled his way to the front, he was able to settle, at least in parts, on ground that is probably quicker than ideal when looking at his knee action. Having kicked off the final bend, he idled, holding on by half-a-length from the fast-finishing Layon des Obeaux, who was given a mountain to climb by the patient riding tactics employed. He was given an almost identical ride when beaten a neck at Corlay the time before. He is closely related to Haddex des Obeaux, but shapes like he wants this quicker ground.
Loustic de Grissay finished 3rd (debut run). A fair start, but looked to be outpaced in the closing stages and probably needs a longer trip.
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