His sire Bow Creek stands for just €4,000, but should Breizh Eagle go 4-4 this weekend in landing the French 2000 Guineas, that could all change very quickly.

Ahead of the first forfeit stage of the Guineas this morning, Breizh Eagle is not quoted by Paddy Power in the betting but he is certainly attracting almost as much attention as home favourite Sealiway in the build-up.

Breizh Eagle was super impressive in shedding his maiden tag at the first attempt at Deauville on December 11th, confirming the high regard in which he is held in at home by dual-code trainer Joel Boisnard.  Sent off at 7.9 on the PMU, he won easily, to set up a return fixture just to the Normandy coast just weeks later.

Homebred Breizh Eagle didn’t pass through the sales ring and his trainer knows the family well. Boisnard, who capped a successful 2020 with 69 winners, trained Breizh Eagle’s dam Breizh Touch (who herself is by speedy 2002 Gimcrack Stakes winner Country Reel) to win five career starts. She obtained a BHA equivalent flat rating of 76 at her peak and was recently described by Boisnard as being an honest mare, who notably produced Breizhoun, winner of four races.

Breizh Eagle (that’s the good one running this weekend, in case you’re getting confused!), won his next start at Deauville on 28 December 2020 by three and a half lengths. The manner of victory was extremely taking, but for many experts there was still a question over the level of form:

Following a busy winter, they backed off him in order to get him ready for the Classics. What was there to lose?

He returned to serious work in March and was given trips to local racecourses such as Le Lion D’Angers and Senonnes. His third and most recent start came last month in the Class 1 Prix Machado at ParisLongchamp – his first time over a mile and his first sight of Paris. Backed in by UK bettors into 7/2 from a morning price of 6/1, he booked his Guineas ticket with an authoritative win over C&D, despite hanging slightly:

Rated 102, it’s impossible to get a handle on Breizh Eagle’s form but he represents a wonderful underdog story given his modest breeding and Breton training. He will be mixing it with the Fabres and O’Briens and it would be remiss not to have a small wager on him, assuming he starts at odds of 12/1 or longer. Prominent owner Gérard Augustin Normand has recently acquired a share and has a habit of backing the right ones. Alexandre Roussel will retain the ride and is hoping for a middle to high draw, to not be shuffled to the back.

Careful though – Boisnard recently told Equidia that he may be bothered by juice in the ground and there is lots of rain about Paris in the forecasts this week.

There look to be some fair middle distance colts in France, including Cheshire Academy and Ninth Titan, but with leading local miler Midtown exported, it could be left for Breizh Eagle to scoop the honours.

Back over jumps, look out for Boisnard’s AQPS chaser Garkapstar, winner of his last five starts. He was given plenty of experience in the provinces but is jumping Auteuil foot-perfect. He will take very high rank indeed.