Darley Prix Morny 2010

2.40 Deauville
Darley Prix Morny (Group 1) (Class 1) (2YO only)
Winner €240,905

Picks: Libranno (win), Irish Field (each/way)

Captain Chop: Looked like horse to follow when winning first 2, bolting up on debut before comfortably winning conditions event; Has since had limitations rather exposed though following defeats in Group company (behind 3 runners today on last 2 runs).

Dream Ahead: Smashed into on debut and didn’t disappointing, looking group class colt with a future when bolting in by 9 lengths on debut, still green as he hung badly left when clear; Could well be more to come and while this is a whole world tougher than his maiden must be taken seriously.

Moinesur Le Prince; Broke his maiden at fifth time of asking but that very weakish looking contest and looks second string of Eoghan O’Neill pair on jockey bookings and form.

Al Aasifh: Had been an easy winner at Haydock before not running his race in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot in Norfolk Stakes; Back to form in good style when taking Rose Bowl Stakes, staying on strongly from Cape To Rio; Form boosted since and powerful 2 year old team to be feared, but needs more.

Broox: Quickly made up into very smart colt after promising debut, winning 2 races at Chantilly very easily before a good second in the Prix Morny; Worth his place here but brushed aside rather easily by Irish Field last time though and no reason for form reversal.

Libranno: Looked useful when winning what turned out to be an excellent maiden on the Newmarket July Course and has gone onto win July and Richmond Stakes, making all in gutsy fashion on both occasions; Had to do it under a penalty last time and major player, particularly if there is more to come for leading 2 year old stable in Britain; Quicker the better for him.

Tin Horse: Looked like horse with future when bolting up by a combined total of 7 lengths on his first 2 starts, barely extended to beat Realisatrice and Zack Yield; Well beaten in Robert Papin last time and this simply tougher.

Irish Field: Seriously progressive horse, bolting up on first 2 starts in Spain and did hold Coventry entry until being withdrawn late on; Unlucky to get caught on line by Keratiya and improved for different tactics when impressive winner of Prix Robert Papin last time quickening clear of Broox in impressive style; That form makes him leading player here although switched of stable is an unknown factor.

Karatiya: Won pretty easy race in the Provinces first time out but showed that did not offer much of a test when getting caught due to greenness next time out; Improved for experience of that when coming with blistering late run to nail Irish Field in photo finish (possibly little lucky to get there when she did), benefitting from getting cover in race; Form got a big boost in shape of Prix Robert Papin win for runner up but he looked improved that time and was unlucky to be caught on day; Holds major chance although this is much tougher task.

Soraaya: Progressive sort for yard that won this in 2005, making no mistake when very impressive in 6f Hamilton maiden on debut, and stepped forward front in big way when second behind Memory in Cherry Hinton; Benefitted from excellent Ryan Moore ride and stiff finish when collaring Margot Did in Princess Margret Stakes, but that good form nonetheless and will be right there if improving.

Pontenuovo: Looked like a different horse from one on debut (understandably) when winning Prix De Turquie, overturning a good looking odds on prospect; While she should step forward again, so should many others and the form of her win doesn’t seem to be all that solid.

VERDICT: A very interesting and classy looking renewal of the Prix Morny, and it should produce a good winner, and it’ll be interesting to see if the winner goes on seeing as the majority of the field look predominantly like 2 year olds, and Irish Field is set to race in Hong Kong after this. The ground could have a big effect on this, and should it turn soft IRISH FIELD (each/way) is the suggested pick. He should reverse form with the progressive Karatiya, as he may have gone too soon in the Prix Du Bois. It’s hard to know which is the best of the British horses, as they must surely rate Dream Ahead highly to run him here after having missed the Acomb Stakes, while Soraaya’s win in the Princess Margaret Stakes is a good price of form but may have been thanks to an excellent Ryan Moore ride and stiff finish. Even saying that though, her form with Memory is excellent. You’d think that the Hannnon yard would have her covered with LIBRANNO, and gives as they are still on fire at the moment, he’s taken to come out on top of the British horses and possibly beat the French too.