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.
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