Goldream, So Mi Dar and Zarak among weekend tips for Chantilly
Published:
David Metcalf | September 30, 2016
Double chance for De Royer-Dupre
Top French trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre holds outstanding claims of landing a double on Saturday’s card at Chantilly courtesy of Zarak and Vazirabad.
Zarak runs in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Dollar (14.50) and looks a cut-above his rivals.
The three-year-old won his first two starts in good style before finishing fifth to The Gurkha in the French 2000 Guineas when sent off favourite.
Zatak has since finished runner-up twice to subsequent Irish Champion Stakes winner Alamanzour, including in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club over course and distance, and was far from disgraced last time out when fourth to Vadamos in a Group 1 over 1m at this venue.
The form of those races is head and shoulders above what any of his rivals have achieved and this looks a glorious opportunity for Zarak to return to winning ways.
Vazirabad can collect in Cadran
Vaizarabad lines up in the Group 2 Qatar Prix du Cadran (15.25) and looks a worthy red-hot favourite to land the 2m 4f marathon test.
The four-year-old has won eight of his 11 starts and they include a smooth length success in the Group 1 Prix-Royal Oak at Saint-cloud 12 months ago.
Vazirabad comes into the race having been successful in three of his four outings this season and was value for more than the winning margin of a short-neck in the last of those in a Group 3 contest over 1m 7f at this venue.
Although unproven over the trip, the son of Manduro has won over 2m and is a strong travelling sort who should have little difficulty getting it and has a potent turn of foot for a stayer.
Dicton to cash-in on class drop
Dicton has some top class form to his name and can take advantage of a drop in grade to get back to winning ways in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein Stakes (16.12).
The Gianluca Bietolini trained three-year-old showed progressive form when winning his first three starts this season and has since run some really solid races in Group 1 company.
They include a 5 1/2 length third to the Gurkha in the French 2000 Guineas and a fine third to Almanzour in the Prix du Jockey Club.
Dicton also ran well last time out when a keeping on 2 1/12 length fifth to Ribchester in a hot renewal of the Prix Le Marois and the form of those races sets a clear standard in this lower grade affair.
Saturday best bets
14.50: Zarak (NAP)
15.25: Vazirabad (NB)
16.12: Dicton
Goldream an each-way punt in Prix de l’Abbaye
It’s Arc day on Sunday and Goldream looks decent each-way value in the 5f Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye (16.35) on an excellent supporting card.
The Robert Cowell trained seven-year-old enjoyed a terrific 2015, landing the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot before going on to round off the campaign with a short-head success in this contest when it was run at Longchamp.
Although yet to get his head in front this season, Goldream ran well three starts back when a 1/2 length third to Take Cover in a Group 2 at Goodwood and was then far from disgraced when seventh to Meccas Angel in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York on ground which was far from ideal.
It’s fair to say that the son of Oasis was slightly disappointing last time out when only third over course and distance but, with the ground currently good and drying out, Goldream is likely to get the going he relishes and looks just the type to bounce back and run a huge race.
So Di Mar to call the tune in Prix de l’Opera
So Mi Dar looks a filly of the highest order and can maintain her unbeaten record with victory in the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera (14.20).
The John Gosden trained three-year-old won her first three starts in tremendous style and looked a superstar in the making in the last of those when landing the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York by four lengths.
Unfortunately the daughter of Dubawi then suffered an injury which ruled her out of the Investec Oaks but, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, she looked as good as ever when scoring impressively on return to action in a Listed contest at Yarmouth last month.
So Mi Dar travelled ominously well throughout in the hands of Frankie Dettori and when shaken up a furlong from home quickened instantly to put the race to bed and win eased down by 1/2 a length.
This demands more, but Si Di Mar looks something special and can take the step up into Group 1 company in her stride.
Limato poised to go on better Prix de la Foret
Limato ran a blinder 12 months ago when runner-up in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de la Foret and can go one better to land this year’s renewal of the 7f contest (17.15).
After losing vital ground when dwelling at the start, the Henry Candy trained gelding flew home to be gaining all the way to the line and beaten 1 1/4 lengths by Make Believe.
It was a cracking effort given how the race panned out and Limato was arguably an unlucky loser.
The four-year-old has looked as good as ever this season, finishing a fine fourth in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes over 1m at Newbury before storming to a scintillating success in the Group 1 July Cup over 6f at Newmarket.
Limato also ran very well last time out when third in the Group 1 Nunthrope over York’s flying 5f and the step back up in trip is sure to suit.
The son of Tagula also has underfoot conditions to suit and this race looks weaker than last year’s.
Sunday best bets:
14.20: So Di Mar (NAP)
16.35: Goldream (E/W)
17.15: Limato (NB)
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