14:38 ParisLongchamp
De L'Athenee Stakes
Flat
• 1599m
• €27,000
• 13
C
4 yrs
/2998-5
German colt unbeaten in two starts as a two-year-old (in 2022) but unplaced in three of his four appearances in 2023. Finished a modest 5th of 5 on his return to action at Mulheim over 1500m on 17 March - watch for now
Gestut Auenquelle
€112,330
G
5 yrs
11-1
Undefeated in three outings, twice in Germany last year and on his French/stable debut on PSF over 1900m at Chantilly on 18 March when getting the better of subsequent Listed winner Galashiels. Sets the standard
Gestut Schlenderhan
€30,731
C
6 yrs
681-38
Consistent for the most part and ought to have regained momentum after 2 comeback appearances this year. Should do better over this distance after finishing 8th over 2400m at Chantilly in the latest of those on 30 March
A Salikbayev
€245,390
G
6 yrs
0775-1
Last-start winner over 1500m on his seasonal reappearance at Mulheim on 17 March. Has more to do here
Stall Phantom
€64,634
C
6 yrs
3365-4
Consistent sort with sound references/form credentials at this level, including an encouraging comeback (4th) over 1600m on PSF at Chantilly on 16 February behind CARAMELITO (11). Should have a role to play
A B Racing/ec Ades Hazan
€184,644
G
4 yrs
/229-2
Lightly raced and consistent performer who has won once (from 7 starts) and finished 2nd five times, including on his reappearance over 1400m on PSF at Chantilly on 18 March. Keep safe
A Don/d Macauliffe
€46,451
G
4 yrs
4221-5
Has performed consistently in five starts on the PSF, twice in England last year and in all three starts on French soil. Didn't go unnoticed when 5th on his reappearance over 1900m at Chantilly on 18 March - dark horse
Aj Duffield
€18,475
C
4 yrs
1408-1
Made a winning reappearance in his first start on French soil at Compiegne over 1600m on 10 March. Has room for improvement
M Eldubeba
€21,823
G
5 yrs
11221/
Last-start winner over 1600m at La Teste-de-Buch on 8 August 2022. Won three and finished 2nd three times in his last six starts - dangerous to dismiss
L Giscard D'estaing
€61,404
G
6 yrs
33/50-
Sparingly raced but has already proven his competitiveness at this level. Made just two appearances last year and hasn't been seen since finishing 12th in an 1800m Class 1 handicap at Chantilly on 18 June. Not discounted
Roy Racing Ltd
€105,860
G
5 yrs
101-23
Lightly raced, ultra-consistent performer with sound references/form credentials - including both encouraging comeback runs, the latest (3rd) on PSF over 1800m at Lyon-La Soie on 6 April. Will be a factor
P Sabban
€116,397
G
6 yrs
1/386-
Consistent German gelding with sound references (2 wins from 3 starts) on French soil. Absent since finishing 6th over 1200m at Hamburg on 30 June, so is best watched for now
Stall Mandarin
€90,074
F
4 yrs
334-1
Last-start winner over 2000m on her reappearance at Fontainebleau on 25 March. Steps up in class with scope to improve - for another day
Lucky Stables
€13,529
Race Overview
Unbeaten ANTE ALIOS (2) impressed on his reappearance and first start on French soil since joining Victoria Head and is good value to preserve his 100% record with improvement expected. CARAMELITO (11), however, has references on this track and boasts both the form and experience to fight for victory. The latter is 1,5kg better off with HARPER (5) so should confirm his superiority, though the consistent latter ought to remain competitive with that comeback outing run his belt. SOUS LA NEIGE (6) and CASH OUT (8) complete the shortlist.
Selection:
2 - 11 - 5
