Prix Robert Papin 2012

1.30 Masions – Laffitte

Prix Robert Papin (Group 2) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner €74,374

Advice: 1 pt win Reckless Abdandon (5/2 general)

Reckless Abandon: Very impressive in Doncaster maiden, winning well despite drifting markedly to his left, and backed that up when winning Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, doing well to win after going across the track to standside rail; That form working out OK so far and clear potential to be better than that, so should take the beating here as well.

Penny’s Picnic: Impressive when taking maiden and conditions event before winning Listed Prix La Fleche with more in hand than winning margin suggested here latest; Has to be respected here.

Sir Prancealot: Well backed for debut at Bath and won going away with plenty in hand at the end, but that nothing compared to how impressive he was in National Stakes at Sandown, suffering disputed passage; Looked the better the further he went so 6f of Coventry was expected to be no problem to him, and ran a brave race there, pulling and failing for a run before ending up fourth late on; That form arguably the best here and feeling that he can do better still, so has to be a worthy favourite here; Would want to settle better but nothing to prevent him running a big race.

Snowday: Much improved when winning Prix Du Bois at Chantilly last time, quickening up in manner that suggested there was more to come from him later on; This a tougher event over all but respected nonetheless.

Sage Melody: Third behind Snowday in 5f Group 3 latest and improvement on first two starts and possible that she could improve, although one would think that winner that day can also improve and thus holds the edge; Interesting but others preffered.

Via Chope: First start for new stable having won three claimers over 5-6f on softish ground; This too hard on paper.

To My Valentine: Twice had Sage Melody behind her (when winning her maiden, and again on latest start) but acts more as a formguide than anything, having been behind Penny’s Picnic inListed contest and Snowday in Group 3; Goes on all ground but others preffered.

Sara Lucille: Did it well when winning Deauville maiden (5f, very soft) last time but comes from stable which has had extremely fast juvenile for same connections and her dam finished a close third in the 2006 running; Interesting.

VERDICT: The British haven’t won this since 2002 but they’ve got their best chance for 10 years with RECKLESS ABANDON and Sir Prancealot coming here off the back of strong Royal Ascot efforts. I’m of the opinion that the Coventry is the strongest piece of juvenile form this season but it was hard not to be impressed by Clive Cox’s charge, who had no right to win the Norfolk given how far left he did, but still won well in the end. It remains to be seen where he goes from here, but if staying straight he’s got to be good enough. best of a useful looking home challenge could be Penny’s Picnic, who won well last time and is liked by connections, although Sara Lucille is a nice horse whose dam was third in this in 2006.