Prix Rocking Chair

Mambonumberfive, St Donat's, Gaelic Warrior and Sans Bruit have all run in the Prix Rocking Chair in the last 5 seasons. Did we see a horse of that ability in this year's renewal? Well quite possibly. I would certainly be very optimistic about the chances of the first 2 developing into graded performers later in the season. Here are my notes on the race and a link to the race card;

PRIX ROCKING CHAIR

Auteuil 27/5/25 - Tres Souple 4,0

3YO Class 2 C&G Hurdle - 3,500m - €25,300

4:09.13 - 6s faster than the Fillies over C&D

Precious Man had finished 2nd in the Prix Rush behind The Mighty Celt in March. Raced in Mid-Division here, but made good headway, away from the stands rail when asked and seemed to improve on the softer ground. Did well to make up 6-lengths on the runner-up over the final couple of furlongs, finishing in a race best 17.39s from the last to the line. Hood added for this run and perhaps not the most straight forward given he has missed 10-weeks between starts, but nice type by Almanzor.

Novak (2nd) made the majority of the running and having jumped the last in front, with the rail to help, may be considered a slight disappointment that he didn’t win. However, he has pulled 8-lengths clear of everything else and ran at least as well as he did when finishing 3rd in the Prix Wild Monarch. A Doctor Dino half-brother to Paradiso, he is more than capable of improving in the autumn.

Shabrack (3rd) traveled into the race (again) but just failed to find the stamina to stay with the first 2. He is now 0-4 over hurdles and as previously highlighted, his stamina is suspect, especially when looking at his pedigree (Shalaa x Dubai Destination). Perhaps a horse for Dieppe or Clairefontaine on better ground over the Summer months.

Turban Vert (4th) filled the same position in the Prix Wild Monarch, though he was further behind Novak this time. A Kapgarde x Martaline Gelding, he lacked the pace to get involved and is surely a horse for Chasing down the line.

Louminos (5th) ran better than he had when 9th in the Prix Gemix on hurdles debut. Finished in 17.95s, which was only surpassed by the winner, though he was ridden to finish. Improving enough to think that he could win a 3YO hurdle, most likely away from Auteuil.