Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud 2012

2.40 Saint – Cloud

Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud (Group 1) (4yo+) (Turf) (4yo+) Winner £190,467

Advice: 6 pts win Danedream (10/11 Blue Sq)

Meandre: Won Grand Prix De Paris last year, benefitting from overly strong pace on very fast ground; That form reversed when Reliable Man (runner up behind him in GPDP) beat him in Niel, and not been at same level since, possibly unsuited by soft ground (no wins on it), when beating in Group 2 and 3 events last twice; Hard to recommend with this likely to be tactical and on soft ground.

Shareta: Exceeded all expectations when second in last year’s Arc as a pacemaker (then seventh in Japan Cup), but seems to proving that not a total fluke, satisfactory comeback in April (gave 7lbs to runner up) followed  by possibly unlucky defeat in Prix Corrida; Still looks easily held by Dandream on last year’s form and might want it faster.

Danedream: Supplemented for Arc breathtaking victory in September 4 in Germany's top race, the Grosser Preis von Baden, where she beat the 2010 winner Night Magic by six lengths in very soft ground; Followed that with superb display in Arc De Triomphe, winning easily in course record time (all three of today’s rivals easily held); Only sixth in Japan Cup but wide draw didn’t help her cause and warmed up for this with nice, easy win in Baden Baden Group 2; Should be spot on today and the one to beat.

Galikova: Built on promise shown at 2 last year when runner up in the Diane and a ready winner of the Prix Vermille, where she had Shareta will behind; Disappointment in Arc but it’s likely that she’s better than that and cut in ground will suit her; That said, 266 days off the track so likely to improve on what she does today.

VERDICT: A real shame that Cirrus Des Aigles – who loves cut in the ground and wasn’t shown at his best in the D’Isphan – isn’t here, although there are still 3 Group 1 winners in this field. Assuming a fair race, it will take a mighty effort to stop Arc winner DANREDREAM, who comes here fit after a warm up win at Baden Baden, has no problem with soft ground, and holds all of her rivals with considerable ease based on her Arc win last time, while Meandre and Shareta have been said to want faster conditions according to their trainers, while Galikova is going to need a carrer best after 266 days off.