Notepad: Prix Ganay 2025

Prix Ganay

Paris Longchamp - 27/4/25

G1 - 4YO+ - 2,100m

Bon Souple 3,4

2:10.71 - Finishing Speed 111.2%

Time looks fast when compared to some of the more recent winners, but this was run on ground close to Good to Firm in British terms and that needs to be accounted for.

Sosie. Seasonal return. Clever ride by Guyon, kept his mount close enough in a slowly run race and then was able to get a clear run. A first glance would suggest that Barzalona got the fractions wrong on Map of Stars and had he been more aggressive on what was a race-fit horse he may have won, but Sosie ran the fastest final furlong in the field and he may have just bumped into a better horse. Either way, it is hard to see how this form is reversed now that Sosie has had his first run on the year. Could Sosie win an Arc? Possibly, but this was run on faster ground over 2,100m and he was perfectly placed. Assuming the ground was close to “Good” in October, he must have a chance, but there will be deeper G1s ahead and he needs to go to Saint-Cloud or the King George and take another step forwards.

Both the front 2 were over 0.5s quicker than Royal Rhyme over the final 3-furlongs, but this was a lack of course knowledge from Clifford Lee. He was keen in the early stages and struggled to settle behind the pace making Higher Leaves, but to attempt to make ground on the far rail was a mistake and to finish within 3-lengths, he has run a career best, or close to it. He has now finished 3rd in this, a Champions Stakes and 5th in the Prince of Wales. Getting close without winning and might be worth a try back down at a mile.

No obvious excuse for Al Riffa and he may simply be better in a weaker race, possibly with a return to the G1 Grosser Preis Von Berlin, a race he won last year, as the most obvious target for him. Was ideally placed behind the leader given how slowly they went and yet couldn’t match Sosie or Map of Stars when it mattered. Finished in 34.33s for the final 3-furlongs (ranked 5th of 6).

Horizon Dore has run 3 times already this season. Shows good pace, including a 10.78s penultimate furlong, the 2nd time in a row that he has dipped below 11s this season. Would assume that he goes back to Royal Ascot again, but perhaps worth considering up to 2,400m now. Has the speed to be competitive, especially in France and might just need that extra time given that he hasn’t won a race since September 2023.

Higher Leaves was worth a try at this level and she has done well on her previous trips to France, but looked outclassed when the pace lifted. Should come on for this, but easier assignments now, back down in Grade or in Fillies only races.