A really competitive and high-class card at ParisLongchamp this afternoon, but there are a couple I think are worth backing.
The first is Keyflower, who bids to give her trainer a second Group winner of the week, after Reina Madre’s surprise trial success at Deauville.
A winner at Lyon in December, she was unlucky in the run at Chantilly on her return from a three-month break last time, where she found all sorts of trouble in the straight but still managed to close on Adhamo (fancied for the Prix La Force) and finish in front of Laos, who had looked useful for Archie Watson when scoring readily at Kempton Park and is rated 92.
She encounters turf for the first time, but her astute trainer doesn’t tend to throw around Classic entries and it is notable that she a Guineas entry after her Lyon win.
A powerfully-built filly, she has the advantage of race fitness over the favourite and is overpriced to take advantage.
1.33pm ParisLongchamp – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Keyflower @ 12-1 (Paddy Power, Betfair, 10-1 Betfred)
In the Prix d’Harcourt, Skalleti is the obvious standout on form, but might not have the ground to suit today and at a much bigger price, it is worth chancing Algiers.
His trainer has won this race 10 times and though the son of Sharmardal hasn’t run since winning in Listed company in September, he looked in great shape when running away with an Afasec (training) race at Chantilly last month, which should ensure he is spot on for this. He looks a big candidate to improve again this year, given his progress through last season, his pedigree and his imposing physique. As big as 18-1 this morning, he is well worth supporting.
2.45pm ParisLongchamp – 1pt each-way Algiers @ 18-1 (Paddy Power, Betfair, 16-1 Betfred)
