11:55 Compiegne
Prix Gaston Branere Listed Handicap Hurdle
Hurdle
• 3599m
• €110,000
• 16
F
4 yrs
23-86
Showed encouraging signs in her first two outings last year (debut 2nd then 3rd) but has failed to build on that promise in two comeback outings - was only 6th over 3800m on this course last time (3 April). Best watched for now
G Blain
€12,660
F
4 yrs
273231
Has never finished worse than 3rd four handicap appearances and was rewarded for that consistency with a last-start breakthrough success over 3600m at Auteuil on 6 April. Should have a role to play once more, despite a 3kg penalty
Terrains D'avilly St Leon
€80,394
G
4 yrs
437-21
Finished an encouraging 2nd to Zephyr de Beaumont in a Quinte+ on his reappearance and confirmed that promise by winning a 3600m Quinte+ at Auteuil on 24 March. Progressive hurdler who ought to remain competitive under a penalty
Ecurie Patrick Klein
€76,608
G
4 yrs
26-15
Won his penultimate start, beating KESIUS DU GRANIT (15) at Pau in January and didn't go unnoticed when finishing 5th over 3600m at Auteuil on 24 February. Not taken lightly
Team Spirit/p Detre/j Detre
€17,321
G
4 yrs
1325-0
Revealed potential in hurdles races last year but was disappointing on his reappearance (10th) at Auteuil on 24 March. Remains capable of better
Mme C Gatta
€39,059
G
4 yrs
P985-2
Returned to form on his reappearance when finishing 2nd to ASTALAVISTA (3) in a 3600m Quinte+ at Auteuil on 24 March and would've tightened up since. Candidate for success
Samuel Sutton James Finch
€34,611
G
4 yrs
3222-P
Outclassed by several re-opposing rivals on his reappearance in a 3600m Quinte+ at Auteuil on 24 March (was pulled up) but did reveal undeniable means last year. Improvement needed
H De Pracomtal
€25,463
F
4 yrs
86-213
Improving filly with sound references/form credentials, including a last-start 3rd over 3800m on this course on 3 April. Dark horse
Y Lemonnier
€12,440
C
4 yrs
35-842
Has improved in two starts with blinkers fitted and finished ahead of TI'PUNCH DES ILES (4) when 4th at Auteuil (3600m) in February. Made further progress to finish 2nd over that course and distance on 24 March - keep safe
Sarl Groupe Kr
€16,500
G
4 yrs
862-27
Runner-up in consecutive hurdles races at a lower level, including on his reappearance at Angers over 3400m. Showed his limitations at this level when only 7th in the Quinte+ of 24 March over 3600m at Auteuil
Venice Consulting S A
€12,986
G
4 yrs
43P-78
SHowed encouraging signs over hurdles when finishing 4th in the Prix Pride of Kildare on his hurdling debut but hasn't been able to build on that promise - unplaced in both starts this year and only 8th in a 3600m Auteuil Quinte+ (24 March)
Ecurie Victoria Dreams
€11,693
G
4 yrs
5456-8
Lightly raced 5-start maiden dominated in his only outing in this category (6th in the Prix Fifrelet) and finished a modest 8th on his reappearance over course and distance on 13 March. Others preferred
B Gregoire Sainte Marie
€10,075
F
4 yrs
62-P35
Finished ahead of CALLIANDRA (2) over 3300m in her second start on 18 December but has been aimed at steeplechase races this year, finishing 3rd over 3450m at this venue on 5 March then 5th over 3500m at Auteuil on 17 March. Outsider
Y Y Fouin
€16,657
G
4 yrs
86714-
Consistent performer on the flat and won a hurdles race at Cagnes in just his second outing over obstacles in December. Absent since finishing 4th in a 3300m hurdles race at that venue on 14 December
J Finch
€25,829
G
4 yrs
654
Unexposed hurdler with scope for improvement, but has already shown enough in three starts to warrant respect on his handicap debut. Freshened up for this engagement after finishing 4th over track and trip on 13 March
Po Robert
€6,644
G
4 yrs
402-
Finished an encouraging 4th over hurdles on debut in November and confirmed that promise when 2nd at Cagnes over 3300m when last seen on 27 December. Open to further progress on his reappearance
Pegasus Farms Ltd
€11,978
Race Overview
ASTALAVISTA (3) built on the promise of an encouraging comeback outing (2nd) to win the Quinte+ event on 24 March and, on that evidence, could defy a resultant penalty by following up in this opening event. KEL STORY (6), who finished 2nd in the aforementioned contest, renews rivalry on 3kg better terms and ought to pose more of a threat. CALLIANDRA (2) completed the podium positions that day and subsequently boosted that form with a handicap success at Auteuil earlier this month so should remain competitive, despite a 3kg penalty. The shortlist is completed by ATTACK MASSIVE (9), TI'PUNCH DES ILES (4) and MAGMA DODVILLE (8) who have shown enough to warrant resect on handicap debut.
Selection:
3 - 6 - 2
