Prix Du Cadran 2011

12.10 Longchamp

Prix Du Cadran (Group 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €147,975

Advice: 1 pt win Brigantin (4/1 general), 0.5 pt each/way Maria Royal (12/1 general) 

Silver Valny: Sprung a surprise in 2m handicap at Deauville in August and then fourth to Ley Hunter here last time out; Slow pace may have flattered him that day and even then, no reason for form reversal.

Ley Hunter: Finally put class to use over staying trips (had been disappointing since failing for a run in the Prix Maurice De Neuil) when winning very slowly run Prix Galdiateur here (several others too); Possible stamina doubt over 4 furlongs longer but that form makes him one to beat here.

Celtic Celeb: Disappointing this year after seemingly finding his niche of staying trips last season, winning 1m7f Group 2 Prix Chaudenay and was reeled in only close home by Gentoo in the Prix Royal-Oak; Unable to get home whens getting easy pace here latest and passed over for that reason.

Kasbah Bliss: Top class/enigmatic/unlucky stayer, who has made the frame for the last 3 years; Good second to Jukebox Jury at Deauville last time shows he retains that talent and should be thereabouts.

Tres Rock Danon: Always come up short when running in Group or Listed events here (record of 264588 in those circumstances) so ignored on that basis despite excellent record in German staying events.

Brigantin: Progressed for new trip last season when winning Prix Du Luttece and promise to flourish at extreme trips when winner of Prix Vicomtesse Vigier; Backed that up when taking third in Gold Cup late on and efforts since can be forgiven, as the trip was too short for him on both occasions; Big chance if stamina can be used to full effect.

Gentoo:  Best French stayer of last year when winning Gladiateur/Cadran/Royal-Oak and not had conditions to suit since, so interesting here; No win without soft in going descption a putoff given 

ground conditions but not hard to see him go very close.

Terre De Vent; Given too much to foo when sixth to Jukebox Jury in the Grand Prix de Deauville (previously won at Listed level there) but way run flattened out did not suggest that he would be winning over longer trips, so others preferred.

Elyaddi: Can stay all day (second in Ascot Stakes last year  and Queen Alexandra this season) so interesting in running if Fallon decides to make it, but well exposed at this level and others better.

Maria Royal: Showed potential as stayer when Prix de Royallieu at this meeting last year and then fourth to Gentoo in Royal Oak; Needed run when first seen in August and Grosser Preis Von Baden effort makes her extremely interesting; Not discounted.

VERDICT: A compete toss up as any of the seven that contests the Galdiateur could win here. Ley Hunter should go well, as should Kasbah Bliss, but BRIGANTIN’S Ascot Gold Cup effort suggests he could outstay them at this trip. That form has worked out very well and hopefully he won’t be given so much to do today. Maria Royal makes a lot of appeal stepping up this trip for the first time.