2.45 Longchamp
D'Ispahan Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €172,076 - 9 run
Pick: Goldikova (win)
Byword: Stamped himself down as a top class performer last
year when winning Prince Of Wales’s Stakes after close second in this, and
consistent efforts in other top races (such as Juddmonte International);
Unlucky not to beat Rajasman giving away 6lbs on seasonal debut and can go
close once again here.
Rajasman: Progressive through last year and continued that
improvement last winter, with fourth in big Asian Group 1; Unsuccessful spell
in Dubai, but used that to his advantage when just outrunning Byword late on in
Group 2 Prix Du Muget latest; Can run well again but will have to improve to
confirm that form on 6lbs worse terms.
Shamalgan: Improved out of all recognition last year when
making the frame in French Guineas at ridiculous price, and again in Saint
Cloud Group 2; That form not good enough to make impact here and needs more.
Cirrus Des Aigles: Enjoyed his usual consistent campaign in
France last year (won Group 2 here) before then seeking Group 1 glory in Asia (without success); Made a good
reappearance when just behind Polytechnichen & again when just behind
Planteur & Sarafina in Prix Ganay; Offers value at price.
Dick Turpin: Revelation last year when running with credit
in several classic and Group 1 races & back in style with easy win in
Bet365 Mile at Sandown; Disappointing when well beaten in Lockinge only 8 days
ago, and while he can take a big hand at his best, lot to be desired.
Ransom Note: Threatened to be a group performer with
Brittainia handicap win last season, and showed merit of that when taking big
York race over straight mile at Ebor meeting; Confirmed his arrival at pattern
level with all the way in in Earl Of Sefton Stakes and interesting to see him
rushed up to such a high level.
Pan River: One of best horses in Turkey, twice a Group 1
winner; Relatively successful spell in Dubai, winning on debut in that country
before close second to Campanologist; Not upto the Sheema Classic & while he comes here off two wins in
Turkey, suspicion is that he wants more than this trip.
Flash Dance: Pacemaker for Goldikova.
Goldikova: Had another record breaking season last year,
stamping herself as best European mare of recent times with stunning wins in this
race last year, Queen Anne, Rotschlid, Foret & a third Breeders Cup Mile;
Brought back in training for another year & this will be acid test of how
much ability remains, if she’s lost any at all.
VERDICT: Today’s the day if we see that GOLDKIOVA’S still
got it at the highest level at the age of six. The best miler in the world
faces a stiff test from Byword, who ran a promising race when second in the
Prix Du Muguet behind Rajasman, and Dick Turpin, who might struggle having run
just 8 days ago.
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