Criterium De Saint Cloud 10 Furlongs [Group 1 Colts and Fillies]

                                                       Criterium De Saint Cloud



Hartnell- Son of  Authorized who has finished in the first two in his last five races. Relishes soft ground and has already won over the ten furlongs, albeit in an egg and spoon race, so conditions are perfect. Only rated 97 though and will have to step up on what he has shown to take this Group One contest

Surspenders- Three race maiden who went down by half a length in a mile contest at Longchamp last time. His pedigree suggests he is a potential improver for the extra distance, but still rates a most unlikely winner

King Rubi- Son of Green Tune who was a 100,000 Euro yearling, and is a half brother to the useful More Than Sotka who raced for the same trainer owner combination, although he was campaigned at the Dubai Carnival by David Marnane. So far succesful only in a polytrack seller, and was found out at listed level the last twice, he would appear to have a lot to find to make an impact in this field

Bal De France- Beaten a neck over Ten Furlongs last time at Angers, which suggests he will not be winning this for his Japanese trainer

Rapido- German raider for trainer Andreas Lowe who won on his only start at Strasbourg over ten furlongs on soft ground. Heavy ground no concern and distance clearly not a worry, the dams two black type performers best at 10F+, and could be a player at rewarding odds for well respected connections

Prince Gibraltar- Rock Of  Gibraltar Colt who was a decent third behind Criterium International runner up Earnshaw on debut, before making no mistake on second start when easily taking a Maisons-Laffitte maiden at cramped odds. Those runs were in the care of Henri-Alex Pantall, but he has since been transferred to the barn of last years winning trainer Jean Claude Rouget. Gets Soumillon on board for the first time and everything looks there for a big run. The distance shouldnt be an issue, his full brother won over 15F, and he probably rates the best of the home team

Dylan Boy- Dylan Thomas colt who became the 7th foal that his mare has produced with a three figure RPR when 4th behind the aforementioned Earnshaw in a Group Three at Saint Cloud last time. Distance would appear well within his capabilities and gets Peslier on his back today, but still looks to fall a fair bit short of the required quality to take this

Mekong River- Aiden O Brien representative who bids to give his trainer a fifth win in this contest since 2001. Unbeaten in four and regally bred, dam a two time group one winner, he looks to have a lot in his favour. Won a listed contest over 9 furlongs only 6 days ago, but did it so easily that is unlikely to have left a mark. Looks to have a strong chance of enhancing his trainers excellent record in the race. The one to beat

Shankly- Monsun Colt who is a recent purchase for Qatar racing limited and arrives here having won on his only start to date at Salisbury in September. His dam was a listed winner over middle distances, also a half to champion hurdle winner Katchit, so he is bred to relish this extended 10 furlongs. The form of his maiden win is weak in the context of this race, runner up rated a flattering 82, but he was green throughout and never stronger than at the line, so can be rated a far bit better than the bare form. His trainer was originally quoted as saying that was him done for the year, but the new owners recent purchase has obviously changed that outlook. Wouldn't want to come in here as an afterthought and for that reason i will give him the swerve

Laugharne- Authorized Colt who was an impressive winner on soft ground at Goodwood last time over 9F. Breeding suggests this trip will be well within his compass and interesting Roger Charlton aims this high so soon after his maiden victory. Gets crack local jockey Maxine Guyon on board and could be one for each way players at decent odds

Free Port Lux- 220,000 Euro son of Oasis Dream who is pointed here having won on debut at Longchamp over 9F on soft ground. His Monsun sired dam was high quality racemare taking in a Grade One in the US and a Group Two in France over middle distances. Very interesting contender for his in form team and a definite player

Bereni Ka- Only filly in the line up and the most experienced galloper who will be making her 8th trip to the racecourse today. 4th in a Group Three over a mile last time, she would appear to need a fair bit more than her 3lb fillies allowance to contend in this field

Verdict- This race is always a searching test of stamina for a juvenile and you genearlly need a horse who is a likely to need 12F as a 3yo. Mekong river fits the bill being by Galileo and who posted a career best over 9F at Leopardstown on his most recent start. Factor in his trainers excellent record in the race and he looks tough to beat. The main dangers appear to be French based with last time out winners Prince Gibraltar and Free Port Lux both looking Colts of potential

1 Mekong River
2 Prince Gibraltar
3 Free Port Lux