Most of us had a miserable 2020, but not Frédéric Rossi, who continues our Stable Tours in Calas, outside Marseille. Rossi scooped the French 1000 Guineas with Dream And Do and then the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère last October with the promising Sealiway.

The wraps come off Sealiway very soon, who may reoppose Aidan O’Brien’s Battleground in the French 2000 Guineas this spring, and Rossi nominates another juvenile who could take high order this summer.

Louliana (3yo filly)

Following her Toulouse win below she finished third in the Group Three Prix Imprudence last week and has come out of the race well. She will drop down in trip now to Prix Texantia over six furlongs on 17 May.

She will be entered in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and that would come into consideration if she were to run well in that.

Areen (3yo colt)

I was really happy with his second place last week behind Rouget’s Saiydabad (see below). The question for us now is whether to aim him for the Prix du Jockey Club over 1m 2.5f or the Grand Prix de Paris over 1m 4f. At the moment I’m thinking about stepping him up in trip. I think he’s a true middle distance horse but I will discuss it with the owner.

He wore headgear at Meydan but I don’t think he needs it. He’s a really good horse and I think he’ll win a big race for us.

Sealiway (3yo colt)

Physically, he has developed well over the winter, both growing and putting on weight. Judging by his work, he has matured and I think we will be able to stretch him out in trip this year.
I’m expecting a good run in the Prix de Fontainebleau but the objective is the French 2000 Guineas in May.

Smile Makers (3yo colt)

Smile Makers is a well-bred son of Kendargent who I have always liked. Unfortunately he was sick at the start of this year but he’s now in great order. At the start of this month he finished a close third in the Prix Tourbillon (see below), finishing quickest of all in the final two furlongs.

We will see with him and I need to speak to his owner. It’s possible that we will go for Listed and Group races with him this summer.

Shut The Box (3yo colt)

He returns on Thursday at Lyon. He’s a good horse that will be up to winning a Listed this year. He will improve for his return to action so I’d favour Calgary of my two in that race.

The Charmer (3yo gelding)

He is progressing well and I like him. Rated 39.5, I expect him to be up to winning a Quinté handicap soon.

Calgary (3yo gelding)

We have big hopes for him but he will need to progress to the next level.

Bobbymurphy (3yo colt)

We are giving him time and unfortunately he will be on the sidelines until the autumn. His problems are not bad at all and he will be a tremendous four-year-old.

Space Force (2yo gelding)

He will need his first race.

 

Edamame (2yo colt)

He is ready but will progress with his racing. I like him but I fear he may just lack a bit of speed today at Chantilly over five furlongs.

 

Diadema (2yo filly)

I like her and she has lots of speed. She’s built for it.

 

Mangoustine (2yo filly)

Of my two-year-olds right now, I would nominate this Dark Angel filly as the one for Race Sharp readers to follow this spring. She is part-owned by former NBA star Tony Parker.