The first of the major European Group 1’s have arrived in the way of the French 2000 and 1000 Guineas which has been shifted from Paris Longchamp to Deauville this year as a result of the coronavirus lockdown that is continuing in the French capital. Here are our french Guineas Picks o back the winners.
RACE 1
BEST BET: KENBAIO
In the first race of the day, KENBAIO (1) performs well in sprint contests. Has been winning better races and is first up since November. Good chance. SIMPLY STRIKING (2) was promising last year. Finished the season filling placings in stronger events and is included. WIND TEST (4) raced consistently during winter and holds claims. FORZA CAPITANO (6) will appreciate the big drop back from Group company. Expect improvement.
RACE 2
BEST BET: LETTYT FIGHT
LETTYT FIGHT (1) will find things to his liking. Won two races on the AW including over this distance and has been going well in better contests. Horse to beat. ABELLO (3) has produced some good efforts in maidens. This event is easier. FOREVER COCO (2) hasn’t been faraway of late. Journey is the query. THE ROOM (8) could fill a placing.
RACE 3
BEST BET: TAKEDOWN
TAKEDOWN (4) was able to lead at Lyon and if given an easy time might prove hard to run down. JUST FOR DREAM (2) disappointed on hcp debut however this is easier. Expect improvement. Best of the rest are MOREMI (6) and TROU AUX BICHES (7).
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RACE 4
BEST BET: ROCQUEMONT
Good quality race with many chances. ROCQUEMONT (1) holds strong form in condition races. Big weight but maintains a good record over the journey and top jockey booked. One of the leading chances. DATHANNA (8) has been racing black type events and can go close to the lead. Each way. ZAVRINKA (10) ran home well in a Listed event at Longchamp 11 May and comes in favorably. ALFIERI (4) won the past three attempts however faces a strong field and a rise in grade. CARLTON CHOICE (2) is going close in Listed contests. Form is solid enough for inclusion.
RACE 5
GROUP 1 Emirates Poule D’Assai Des Poulains (2000 Guineas)
BEST BET: VICTOR LUDORUM
Good even edition of this years race. VICTOR LUDORUM (5) was unbeaten as a two-yr-old but disappointed only managing third in G3 trial Longchamp 11 May beaten 2L. Can bounce back. ECRIVAIN (9) has always shown talent and a trial run at Longchamp was solid. Could further progress. ALSON (1) might be racing first-up for this campaign but does have an imposing record to date including a massive win in October G1 Longchamp contest. Don’t leave out. Two others who may surprise are CELESTIN (3) and THE SUMMIT (2).
RACE 6
GROUP 1 Emirates Poule D’Essai Des Pouliches (1000 Guineas)
BEST BET: TROPBEAU
TROPBEAU (2) has always shown talent and can win. As a two-yr-old MARIETA (4) ran good races highlighted with a G1 second over 1600m. Has the talent. Solid chance. SIMEEN (1) is progressive having won three from three but faces a big task. Connections know how to win Classic races. Not beyond her. DREAM AND DO (7) has won or been placed in two G3 races and progresses with every start. Include. TICKLE ME GREEN (3) improves and leading trainer prepares. Respect.
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RACE 7
BEST BET: DAWN INTELLO
Small field however a good group of runners. On form the two to fight out the finish are DAWN INTELLO (1) and VIENNE (3). Both have a similar profile and race record. Hard to split. SALESMAN (6) is a maiden but may surprise. Both HELLENISTIQUE (2) and EPISODIA (4) hold claims.
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RACE 8
BEST BET: MELABI
Small but interesting contest. The top two are MELABI (1) and DERYAN (4). With Soumillon to ride HAJRES (3) he might be worth thought and SHALAA (2) holds claims.
RACE 9
BEST BET: ALE THANG
ALE TANG (3) does’t win often however the past two outings has placed on the AW over this trip. Not seen since February but if fit is a good chance. ANDREA DORIA (10) is close to a victory and the AW suits. EMMASAMICLAU (1) delivered an improved third last start in a similar race and may progress again. ALWAYS SOMEWHERE (7) looks consistent whilst LADY ARKADINA (2) found success in latest over 2000m and has been upped in weight. Each way.
RACE 10
BEST BET: KENZOHOPE
Many chances. KENZOHOPE (12) put in a good run last start at Vichy beaten 2L and may progress. WHERE IS CHARLIE (1) is the horse to beat following latest second at Longchamp though is a thirty-three start maiden. SILVER PLACIS (5) ran well most recently and might go forward again. DIONYSOS (14) performed favorably at Longchamp two outings back and may sit on the pace. GEORGINELA (2) produced an AW second in December and is not the roughest.
