Prix de Ferrieres - Parachutiste

There's a lot of racing going on at this time of year and it is very hard to keep on top of everything. However, if you can spare a few moments it is well worth looking back at the Prix de Ferrieres on Thursday's twilight card at Paris Longchamp. Paix was one of my favourite race mares of the last decade and it is lovely to see that one of her progeny looks to have inherited her ability. Parachutiste is a Dubawi Colt who runs in the Qatar Racing silks for Francis-Henri Graffard. He has now won twice this season and holds promising entries in both the Prix du Jockey Club and the Grand Prix de Paris. He has a long way to go before his connections can think about fulfilling those lofty ambitions, but he is heading in the right direction and there was a lot to like about this performance on Thursday evening. Here are my notes on the race and a link to the race card;

PRIX DE FERRIERES

Paris-Longchamp 24/4/25

Class 1 Conditions race for 3YOs - 2,150m

2:20.29 - Finishing Speed 111.7%

Parachutiste (Dubawi x Paix) built on his Saint-Cloud maiden win and was the clear best in this steadily run race, finishing in 35.05s, 0.37s quicker than the runner-up. Sat behind the pace and Soumillon seemed keen to try to nurse him home without asking for everything. Didn’t do a great deal once he hit the front, but was always holding the 2nd. Surely will improve for the step up to 2,400m now? Has entries in the Prix Hocquart, Prix du Jockey Club and the Grand Prix de Paris.

Zekret (2nd). Fabre trained. Finished 4th behind Marchon at Saint-Cloud in March. Similar race here. Had the run of things in front but couldn’t match the winner in the straight. Nice horse, but this would look to be his level, though the front pair have pulled 4-lengths clear of the rest.

Disappointing run from Acacus (4th) who was ideally placed but faded badly in the home straight once headed. Chantilly maiden winner on the PSF, may be a horse for handicaps in future, but put in his place.

Galiciano (5th) fly leapt out of the stalls. Kirchner (3rd) has struggled since winning on debut at Chantilly and was outpaced before plugging on into 3rd here. He is a Pinatubo Colt, Dam won over 1,400m, might be a horse to change course with and drop back down in trip with a more aggressive ride.