14:50 Compiegne
Prix Hopper Chase (Grade 3)
Chase
• 3900m
• €150,000
• 10
G
4 yrs
422-12
Versatile jumper with particularly sound references in the steeplechase category - won the Listed Grand Steeple Chase for four-year-olds at Cagnes in January. Showed his form/well-being by finishing 2nd in a 3800m hurdle here on 3 April
Gaec Allen
€81,716
G
4 yrs
3111-4
Has won twice in this sphere from as many outings, both at this venue over 3450m. Caught the eye on his reappearance (4th) in a 3600m hurdles race at Auteuil on 6 April
Haras De Sainte Gauburge
€131,180
G
4 yrs
1221-F
Has won and finished 2nd in both the hurdles and steeplechase categories - boasts a 3450m victory over fences on this course (30 November). Shouldn't be hastily condemned after falling on his reappearance at Auteuil (4400m) on 31 March
Haras De Saint-Voir
€68,275
G
4 yrs
313-11
Showed promise in four starts over hurdles but has been even more impressive in winning both steeplechase outings, at Compiegne each time. Won a Class 1 conditions race here over 3900m on 25 March - exciting prospect
Ecurie Patrick Boiteau
€122,057
G
4 yrs
162-18
Capable jumper over hurdles and fences - confirmed as much by finishing 2nd to KILOMETRE ILLIMITE (3) over 3450m on this course last year (30 November). Reverts to steeplechase after finishing 8th in a Group II hurdle at Auteil on 17 March
P Detre/j Detre/team Spirit
€146,166
G
4 yrs
34P-11
Made a winning reappearance over hurdles at Pau in January and followed up last time on his steeplechase debut over 3700m at Angers on 23 March. Unknown quantity
Mme P Papot
€55,673
G
4 yrs
16-4FP
Fell when on his way to victory in a 3450m handicap chase at this venue but failed to redeem himself when pulled up in 3850m handicap chase on 3 April. Has a few questions to answer - for another day
Lugdunum Racing 3
€36,645
G
4 yrs
1P1-P2
Returned to form with an encouraging/reassuring 2nd in a hurdles race over course and distance on 5 March. Dark horse
C Trecco
€116,911
F
4 yrs
14238-
Versatile filly but has achieved her best references (two wins) over hurdles - won on debut on the flat. Hasn't been seen since finishing 8th in a 3600m Group II chase at Auteuil on 11 November
Avatara S A
€69,081
F
4 yrs
44-241
Last-start winner of a 3850m handicap chase on this course earlier in the month (3 April). Penalised 3kg for that victory and is stepping up in class
Jl Quiniou/g Laroche/s Dehez
€90,546
Race Overview
As a descendant (grandson) of champion Karly Flight, ZARFLIGHT (4) has done as he was bred to do by winning both outings in steeplechase races this year and has impressed in doing so. He looks an exciting prospect likely to cope with this step up in class on his way to bigger and better things. DIYASHAL (2) is also unbeaten in this category and could challenge the selection, with improvement expected back over fences after an encouraging reappearance (4th) in a hurdles race. Versatile and consistent KASSEL ALLEN (1), who showed his form and well-being by finishing 2nd over hurdles on this course recently, and KILOMETRE ILLIMITE (3), a faller on his reappearance at Auteuil, aren't without a chance either. Good race!
Selection:
4 - 2 - 1
