The 15/2 win on Zillow at Saint-Cloud yesterday quickly turned the week around and on Wednesday we move on to Chantilly and Le Croise-Laroche. The better quality Racing is certainly on offer at Chantilly this morning, but I would prefer to watch those maidens after a quick skim through the card. Instead, todays punting blog comes from the tight left-hand turns of Le Croise-Laroche. This isn't the greatest card there has ever been and I'm always a little bit wary of getting financially involved in the races here as it can be a front runners paradise. However, having spent a bit of time going through the card, there were a couple of horses that stood out as having been found some good opportunities to get their heads in front.
R1 – Zulu Nyala comes out best at the ratings, but not been seen since 3rd in Compiegne Handicap in March (Heavy ground, hit front too soon perhaps, kept on at one pace but beaten)
Nottingham was Listed placed in 2020 but sliding horse these days. Won a C3 at Clairefontaine in August but beaten back in Handicaps since. Sunray been well beaten recently and looks out of form.
Morsan the more consistent type. 9th last twice but in much deeper handicaps than this in Paris. Has won 3 times since last December, though off since June a slight worry? Also worth noting he is wrong at the weights with both Beautiful Aspen and Hootton.
Beautiful Aspen beaten a nose in C3 at Saint-Cloud last time, holding form well but career record is 1 win from 19 starts. Hootton beaten fairly behind Zarica (has won 11 times this season) in Compiegne claimer, this is an easier race but last win Sept 22.
R2 – Low Grade C4 Handicap
Showmethegin won last time but that was at Pornichet back in February and he only ever runs well at that track (PSF).
Race probably concerns Joao and Noble Angel. Joao has won here before and was 2nd here last month, well placed but got mowed down by a closer in the final strides. On Same mark.
Noble Angel won 3 times, landed a pair of C4 handicaps in the Spring. 3rd at Le Mans last time out, kept on without ever looking like a winner.
R3 - Zwialh a winner, but in C4 grade, beat Joao last time (see R2). Closed well, concern would be that wins have been in C4 and Claimers since PSF maiden. Deeper task here.
Riyak 2 from 39. Won at Clairefontaine, 2nd here off new mark last time. Barzalona returns. Solid effort last time at the weights. At least ran to this mark. Very closely matched with Burratina, solid 2nd in a C4 conditions race at Nancy. Inattendu 4th in an Angers Claimer, has won 9 times but tough ask at the weights here.
R4 – 2YO Claimer, makes no appeal on form offered.
R5 – 3YO Sprint Maiden
Majority of this field are relatively exposed now. Alijan Moon is clear on ratings, 3rd at Saint-Cloud in May gave him rating of 36. Off since.
Wild West is 0-7, better run when 3rd in a Lyon Claimer last time, hit front 2f out and went on, caught late as tired. Fair form. Sixtus is 0-12, close form with Gold in Great from C&D Class 3 event last time out, though he is 0-9. Martingana was supplemented for this, finished 4th in the same race, record is 0-10.
Sainted Fortune the least exposed at 0-5, but well beaten at Moulins and Chantilly earlier in the season. Could not bet in this race with a record of 0-56
R6 – 3YO Sprint Handicap
Belle D’Amour the obvious starting point, 2nd here last month. Well drawn again. Just failed after a slightly slow start last time. Almost identical form to Curej. Un Plus Une makes a bit more appeal this time, came 6th in same C&D race but had stall 12 that day.
Bet Placed – Un Plus Une (9/2)
R7 – 3YO Claimer
Lots of headgear on display here. Would imagine that this will be a match race between Let’s Get Loud and Goldroschen.
Let’s Get Loud won on debut, since run well in C2 races, including when making most to finish 6th at Saint-Cloud last time. Much easier task here. Leads?
Goldroschen won at Compiegne, 3rd has won since, needed every yard though and up in trip but a much sharper track not certain to suit.
Bet Placed – Let’s Get Loud (Evens), will not get a better opportunity.
R8 – 2-mile handicap. Not much appeal given the nature of the course. Mac Le Tombouille a winner at Craon but not bombproof and happy to leave this race.