Prix Wild Monarch 2025

When Sir Gino got the better of Salvator Mundi in the Prix Wild Monarch in 2023, these races perhaps reached their peak. However, the Prix Wild Monarch races at Auteuil continue to be some of the most important 3-year-old hurdle races in the French calendar. This year's races took place on Sunday. The ground was officially described as "Collant", which would translate as "tacky" and given the conditions, it was perhaps not surprising to see that both races developed into relative sprints. At first glance, it would appear that the Colts and Geldings race was the stronger piece of form, with the first 3 looking like pattern class performers. However, there have been a considerable number of 3-year-old hurdlers that have improved for the benefit of their first run this season, so it would be a mistake to think that those in behind may not be capable of catching up next time. Here are my notes on both of this years races;

Prix Wild Monarch (Pouliches)

Auteuil 20/4/25

Tres Souple 4,1

3,000m “Inédits” Hurdle for Fillies €28520

Winning time 3:50.69 - 3s slower than the Colts and Geldings

Maprotegee is a Gemix AQPS Filly for Sourdeau de Beauregard. Wore a Hood and Tongue-tie combination. Sat towards rear of the main group, given a very patient ride by Oliver Jouin. Wide around the turn and brought to the stands rail, short of room between the last 2, but once clear, has run on strongly, finishing in 17.99s (Ranked 1st). Dam won over CC. PMU price of 31 would suggest this was unexpected, but she has ultimately won by 4-lengths.

Morgane du Large (2nd) is a Walk in the Park Filly, also trained by Donatien Sourdeau de Beauregard.  Also settled towards the rear, waited for the gap on the stands rail, which never came. Once switched after the last, she followed the winner through, though was no match for her stablemate. Closed in. 18.60s. Wore a Tongue-Tie, Hood and Noseband. Sent off 11 PMU. Walter Connors owned.

Jerusalema (3rd) trained by Hugo Merienne. Beaumec de Houelle, half-sister to Le Boetie and Libueno. Wore a Tongue-tie. Settled behind the pace on the inside, leading by the 2nd last. Hampered by the 4th trying to barge her way through as they approached the last. Led again but readily left behind by the winner.

Magie des Obeaux (5th) led for most of the contest and had the stands rail in the straight, but faded. Dschingis Empress (6th) was sent off 4.6 PMU (Fav). Traveled to a point but finished weakly. Big framed filly by Dschingis Secret, she needs more time and possibly better ground.

Prix Wild Monarch (Poulains)

Auteuil 20/4/25

Tres Souple 4,1

3,000m “Inédits” Hurdle for Colts and Geldings €28520

Winning time 3:47.75 - 3s faster than the Fillies.

A confident ride on Narciso Has (Rolland) who has made virtually all the running. The first 3 home dominated the race and then pulled 8-lengths clear of the rest after the last. The winner is a Doctor Dino gelding, Dam rated 68-kilos, half-sister to Welcom to Cartries (Nicholls). Clearly knew his job and was always holding the placed horses after the last. Wore a Tongue-tie.

Diabolo Vert (2nd) has raced directly behind Narciso Has for the entire race. No Risk At All gelding, half-brother to Politha. Traveled at least as well as the winner but stumbled after the last, losing momentum. Gathered up and kept on without being able to get back on terms. Solid start to his career.

Novak (3rd). Doctor Dino Colt trained by George & Zetterholm. Smallest of the 3 visually. Made up good late ground after the last with the stands rail to help. Sent off 3.9 PMU (Fav). His Dam was rated 43 on the Flat, finished in 18.04s (Ranked 1st). Speedy type, will prefer slightly better ground perhaps.

Turban Vert (4th) looks to be a longer term project for Nicolle. Tracked the leaders with the 5th placed Nil D’Aunou (Cottin) but both were left behind after the last.