International Horse Racing Trader’s Tips: Saturday 23rd May
Published:
Featuring Bordeaux Le Bouscat and Gulfstream
This weekend would usually bring Temple Stakes Day at Haydock, but this year Bordeaux Le Bouscat will take centre-stage with two Listed races on Saturday.
There are also high-quality cards stateside, as our expert Christopher Neale previews the action.
Bordeaux Le Bouscat
Derby Du Midi Stakes (11:15)
The Derby Du Midi Stakes is the first Listed race from Bordeaux. The Christophe Ferland-trained Frohsim is aiming for a hat-trick of wins and is likely to head off as favourite, having made all on the way to a Class 1 victory at Deaville on his last outing.
It should be much harder here, with Fantastic Spirit a real contender for Jean-Claude Rouget. He comes into this after holding back in a Class 1 conditions race at Cagnes-sur-mer, only to circle the field and win on the line. There are several front-runners in the field here, which could suit him, if he can carry him form from Cagnes’ all-weather track to Bordeaux’s turf.
Grand Prix De Bordeaux (12:15)
There’s another hat-trick seeker in this Listed race – Joe Francais. He looked out of his depth in the French Derby last year but has bounced back with a brace of wins in 2020. One of those wins was over today’s course and distance – he looks a worthy favourite here.
Mr Satchmo could be one of those to take him on. He scored by nine lengths over course and distance last October, then picked up another win at Listed level. He found the step up in trip in the Group 1 Amir Trophy in Doha a struggle in February. This trip should suit him better.
Gulfstream
In the evening, the 20:16 race at Gulfstream could be interesting.
Todd Pletcher’s Ima Pharoah is likely to open a short price in the betting. He’s posted the highest Beyer Speed figures among the runners, but this son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was been outbattled into second last time out.
Well Connected could be worth considering, on his first run since joining Michael Maker’s barn. He’s shown encouraging works since making the move and could provide an upset if Maker has eked out improvement over the winter.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
