French Racing Tips – 19/06

There’s a great card for Prix de Diane day and I’d definitely recommend a visit to any readers who haven’t been to France’s premier race day.

My first bet comes in the Prix du Bois, a six-furlong dash for juveniles where it should pay to be drawn low. Favourite New Collection represents Italy and looked to show plenty of speed and class in winning a Listed at Rome last time out. Her time is supposed to be fine and the fact she beat the French-trained Bottle Of Bubbles gives some credence to the form. She is well-found in the market though, is drawn in the middle of the track (11/11) and had to contend with a long journey.

By contrast the only colt in the field, Belbek, is trained in Chantilly by Andre Fabre and beat a stack of winners at Saint-Cloud last time in style. Fancied on his debut, he improved considerably on a faster surface last time and appreciated the step up to today’s trip of six furlongs. The fact that this large colt was deemed ready to begin his juvenile season in April is a tip in itself and he must have been showing plenty at home.

Lova impressed from a terrible draw at Lyon-Parilly last time to win her maiden. She is interesting from stall one but Belbek is the value for me.

1.40pm Chantilly – 1.5pt win Belbek @ 11/2 (most firms, or 13/2 with William Hill)

Five places offered by William Hill on the big race today and four with most other firms. This looks a good each-way race with favourite Nashwa backing up two weeks after her defeat in the Cazoo Oaks.

Hopefully I’ll avoid letting one go like I did on the same weekend when I fancied Vadeni for the colts’ equivalent here at Chantilly!

Rosacea was a strong fancy in the French 1000 Guineas and was hampered at a crucial stage. She has a lethal turn of foot but has it all to do from stall 18.

Queen Trezy was third to Above The Curve in the Saint-Alary last time, who would have been favourite for this if declared. Queen Trezy would prefer it softer but promises to stay well and is drawn well. She has a good cruising speed and I would be surprised if she is shuffled back.

Yukata and Nadette are also interesting. Nadette has come alive at this trip and Yukata was an unlucky loser when they last met. Both have double figure draws to overcome however, so I’m going to pass on both.

Babala won a maiden last time for Andre Fabre and is drawn well in four. I don’t love betting horses each-way when they are taking a big hike in grade, but Babala represents a shade of value I think for a top team. She clearly relishes fast ground.

3.00pm Chantilly – 1pt each-way Queen Trezy @ 28-1, 4 places (most firms, or 33-1, 5 places with William Hill); AND

3.00pm Chantilly – 1pt each-way Babala @ 25-1, 4 places (most firms, or 22-1, 5 places with William Hill)

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