12:30 ParisLongchamp
Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1)
Flat
• 1400m
• €400,000
• 9
C
2 yrs
1121
Made up for being beaten at Deauville with solid success in 1400m Gr.3 Prix la Rochette a month ago. Has had time to freshen up and is unlikely to disappoint. First 5
Al Shaqab/jc Seroul/gan
€102,820
C
2 yrs
11
Put away after winning a valuable debutants race at Deauville, then trounced the opposition to win Gr.3 Prix des Chenes over course and distance by 4.5L, on return to competition 3.5 weeks ago, and is not to be underestimated
Al Shaqab/haras Etreham/m Bekhti
€72,500
C
2 yrs
311
Won 1400m Gr.3 Solario S. at Sandown, in very good order, late-August. Has never been tested at a superior level but is a colt with buckets of untapped potential and will justifiably receive significant support. Chance
Juddmonte Farms Ltd
€56,289
C
2 yrs
2112
Won a valuable Class 2 conditions race in Deauville mid-August before running 2nd to HOUQUETOT (1) in 1400m Gr.3 Prix la Rochette early last month. Is clearly capable but others still easier to back
F Kahraman
€170,900
C
2 yrs
612123
Runner-up to HEYBETLI (4) in Deauville before coming a good 3rd to HOUQUETOT (1) in 1400m Gr.3 Prix la Rochette on 8 September, but appears to be biting off more than he can chew
G Le Baron
€90,790
C
2 yrs
1315
Won 2 from 3 before finishing 5th of 8 in 1400m Gr.3 Prix la Rochette a month ago and will need to show significant improvement
M Jordanger/f Blichfeldt
€52,300
C
2 yrs
1112
Won first 3 before running 0.75L 2nd of 8 in 1400m Gr.1 National Stakes 3 weeks ago. Is still somewhat green but should nevertheless appreciate the ground and has the class to win here
Magnier/tabor/smith/merri
€240,980
C
2 yrs
3212
Sent for a short rest after winning Coventry S. then returned on 18 August with 2nd of 9 in 1200m Gr.1 Prix Morny at Deauville. Is as tenacious as they come and will be expected to contest the finish
Manton Thorougbreds Ix
€206,878
C
2 yrs
17715
Failed to confirm his Gr.3 Deauville success when 5th of 8 in 1400m Gr.1 National Stakes 3 weeks ago. Easily beat HOUQUETOT (1) on penultimate start, despite a bad trip, and must be taken seriously
Stonestreet/oxley/farmer
€74,400
C
2 yrs
120262
2nd of 20 in a valuable 1300m Class 2 at Doncaster 3.5 weeks ago but has not done enough to be considered a priority
Tabor/smith/magnier/brant
€126,332
Race Overview
HENRI MATISSE (7) tasted defeat for the first time when 2nd in the National Stakes last month and although Aidan O'Brien has won this race just once in the last 15 years, he is well-armed to change that statistic. It is not going to be plain sailing though given how well FIELD OF GOLD (3) has been progressing, and the Gosden's colt should take well to Longchamp conditions. Gr.2 winner at Royal Ascot, RASHABAR (8) left a very good impression in the Prix Morny on his return from a spell and, with the Breeders' Cup on Brian Meehan's mind, he must be considered a leading contender. MISUNDERSTOOD (2) has yet to put a foot wrong, was eye-catching here last month and, if his curve is on the same trajectory, Alexis Pouchin can expect a big run.
Selection:
7 - 3 - 8
