Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud 2011

2.45 Saint - Cloud

Grand Prix De Saint-cloud (group 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €228,559

Pick: Sarafina (win)

Cirrus Des Aigles: Enjoyed usual consistent campaign in last year (won Group 2 at Longchamp) before then seeking Group 1  glory in Asia without success; Good reappearance when just behind Polytechnichen & again when just behind Planteur & Sarafina in Prix Ganay/ Goldikova in Foret; Beat useful filly with ease last time but no wins outside Longchamp since 2009.

Indian Days: Unable to make mark in pair of Group 1 events (albeit well – contested ones) after winning a Group 2 in Turkey last year but continued progression when landing Group 3 under penalty at Newbury, and better form when behind Dandino (carried penalty) in Jockey Club Stakes; Shrewdly placed here after finishing last in Coronation Cup but needs to find far more.

Silver Pond: Three from three last year, impressive winner of Prix Hocquart on last start; Made a highly promising comeback in the Group 3 Prix Exbury at Saint-Cloud and bounced back from poor showings to land Grand Prix De Chantilly, proving the benefit of a big weight concession and race fitness from the winner.

Zack Hall: Progressive at 3, landing a hat trick with listed success before finding step up to Group 2 company too much; fast-finishing second behind Ivory Land on his seasonal reappearance at Longchamp last month but needs miles more than that form and has a big task here.

Sarafina: Created deep impression on debut and made seamless transition to top level with a Group 1 double, winning the Prix Saint Alary and French Oaks with ease; Ran taking Arc trial when third in the Vermille but outdid herself to come third in big race when nearly brought down at home turn, back to one but last before running on again during the final furlong and a half; Back in same form this season, with creditable Ganay second followed up with easy win latest; Sets a high standard.

VERDICT: Almost impossible to see defeat for SARAFINA if she runs to form, predictable as it sounds. Next best is Cirrus Des Aigles followed by Silver Pond.