Prix Ganay 2013

2.40 Longchamp

Prix Ganay Stakes (group 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €171,420

Advice: 1 pt win Ridasiyna (3/1 Stan James)

Maxios: Slowly began to live upto bloodline (half brother to Arc winner Bago) winning Group 2 in good style latest to continue the promise left off at the end of last season (forgetting his disappointment on Arc weekend); Smart form once again when winning of Group 2 over course and distance but this someway tougher.

Dunaden: Established himself as a class act long before he won Caufield Cup off topweight; Melborune Cup not run to suit him but two efforts since were as good as he’s ever been; Worry today is that the distance will catch out one who’s done all his best work at the finish.

Pastorious: Established himself as the best of German 3yos with hard fought Derby win (25/1) but proved that to be no fluke when romping away with Group 1 dropped to this trip and then when clos third to Danedream; Last start in Champion Stakes was behind three horses of highest class and big chance on that form if it can be taken literally.

Point Blank: Pacemaker for Pastorius.

Sanois: Has been below the level of his Jockey Club win (last year’s 3yos said to be a poor bunch) the last twice; Heavy ground against him in Arc but trailed in last but one in Hong Kong Cup and has a bit to prove.

Mandistana: Likely pacemaker for Ridasiyna here.

Ridasiyna: Underlined herself as top class when bouncing back from Deauville disappointment in spectacular style when romping away with the Prix L’Opera at Longchamp latest; Impressive there for all that she benefited from clever placement (runner up went too soon, Girofra given a lot of ground to make up in such testing condtions) but a clear winner nevertheless and Breeders’ Cup fourth a solid effort; The one to beat here.

Haya Landa: Fourth in last year’s Arc but outstayed those who were floundering in the ground more than anything and couldn’t land a blow behind Maxios latest; Others preferred.

Giofra: Looked as if she could be truly special when landing Prix D’Harcourt by 10 lengths but well beaten second to Cirrus Des Aigles in this last year; Landed the Falmouth last year dropped in trip before below par run in Jean Romanet, after which she was well behind Ridasiyna (given a lot of ground to make up, the same case for her next two starts when second in Hong Kong and third in Dubai Duty Free); That run should have bought her on and has a chance with conditions in her favour here.

VERDICT: A strong start to the European Group 1 season. It’s generally accepted that last year’s 3yo crop were a substandard bunch, but if Pastorious’s Champion Stakes form can be taken seriously then he has a strong form shout. Giofra, second in this last year, has more in her favour than when taking on RIDASIYNA, in the Prix L’Opera, including better ground and the advantage of a run, but still came of significantly second best and may struggle to turn around form with a very promising filly, who can take this and go onto better things if ready first time out. Sanois has a lot to prove.