Zellie (Fr) | Horse Racing Free Tips

Nashwa Poised For Diane Challenge

High fashion and summer celebration moves from Ascot to Chantilly on Sunday, with the G1 Prix de Diane Longines the feature prize. Imad Al Sagar's 'TDN Rising Star' Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) comes off a fine third in the Oaks over a mile-and-a-half trip that may have stretched her and provided she is suffering no major hangover from that effort is primed to provide Hollie Doyle with her first Classic.

With honours roughly even in recent times between the French and the visitors, she presents a major obstacle to the home defence which has been successful in only three of the last seven editions. Al Wasmiyah Racing's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Juddmonte's G3 Prix Penelope winner Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) have favourable low draws and spearhead a four-strong assault from the Andre Fabre stable. The former, who was fourth in the G1 1000 Guineas, moves up in trip but there is ample stamina on the dam's side which features the high-class Pride (Fr) (Peintre Celebre) while Agave boasts Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) as a relation. She had looked potentially special until meeting her nemesis in Saint-Cloud's G2 Prix Greffulhe and, while she was undone by Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in that May 8 contest typically used as a Derby prep, time may prove that she faced a tough task against that colt.

Join The Ride

Alongside Zellie and Agave, Andre Fabre also has Al Shaqab Racing and Ballylinch Stud's G3 Prix Cleopatre winner Place du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and the Wertheimers' impressive May 29 ParisLongchamp conditions winner Babala (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). Place du Carrousel's form has a line to the Oaks via the Cleopatre third Kawida (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}) and, if taken literally, that leaves her with something to find with Nashwa but Fabre is a master of the targeted slow-build and she is unlikely to have been too close to a peak on that occasion. Subsequently second to Above the Curve (American Pharoah) when asked the impossible in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary at ParisLongchamp May 29, she has a draw in eight which is on the verge of acceptable and provided she isn't positioned too far back by Mickael Barzalona will be making her presence felt late.

Doleuze's Dream Girl

Team Valor International's relentless pursuit of Classic glory continues apace on Sunday with the filly owned in partnership with Marco Saviozzi, Nadette (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}). She had Jean-Claude Rouget's chief Diane hope Yukata (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) back in third, with the highly-regarded Juddmonte-Fabre project Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}) further behind, in the nine-furlong Listed Prix Finlande at ParisLongchamp May 19.

“She's in full bloom,” commented trainer Romain Le Dren Doleuze, the son of Georges Doleuze who won this on Dunette (Fr) (Hard to Beat {Ire}) in 1979 and brother of Olivier who also captured it on Egyptband (Dixieland Band) in the millennium year. “We let her develop in her own time as a 2-year-old by allowing her to grow into her frame during the winter. Now we're reaping the rewards.”

Daisy, Give Me Your Answer Do

Gitte Poulsen-Allaire gets the chance to have her colours carried in a Classic by a genuine contender in Daisy Maisy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who was behind the re-opposing Times Square (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and Rosacea (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) when fifth in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp May 15. The wife of the prominent trotting figure Philippe Allaire, her filly was also second in the G3 Prix de la Grotte there Apr. 17. Trainer Yann Barberot said, “She will be my first runner in such a prestigious race and I'm really happy. It's a challenge with a fun element and I think that the longer distance should suit her. If the thunderstorms materialise and the ground eases, it won't be a problem. Her breeder, Thierry de la Héronnière, came to see her and he concluded that she has done very welĺ physically. A gorgeous type, she almost looks like a colt. The Allaire colours are going great guns, as they again made their mark in group contests [for trotters] at Vincennes last Saturday. I hope that the filly won't embarrass them.”

Key Support

In the supporting races, there are a pair of bluebloods fit to grace the day in The Aga Khan's 'TDN Rising Star' Erevann (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the Wertheimers' Goldistyle (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The former, who was labelled a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut at Deauville in October, beat the subsequent Listed Prix Ridgway winner Haya Zark (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) in a conditions event over this trip at Saint-Cloud Mar. 29 and meets Godolphin's May 15 G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains third Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}) in the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac Longines over a mile. Goldistyle, a daughter of Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa), tackles the G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil Longines having looked more than ready for the challenge when taking the May 15 Listed Prix Maurice Zilber. In the G3 Prix du Bois Longines, Scuderia Semeso and Sebastiano Guerrieri's impressive May 22 Listed Premio Alessandro Perrone winner New Collection (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}) flies the flag for the Italian juveniles. The G3 Prix du Lys Longines, a warm-up for the G1 Grand Prix de Paris, sees the May 1 Listed Prix de l'Avre winner Martel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) represent the Wertheimer-Fabre link.

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Stars Out For Friday At Royal Ascot

It has taken over a month longer than expected, but Cheveley Park Stud's Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) finally gets racing again on Friday as she bids to pick up the thread of her flawless 2-year-old campaign in Royal Ascot's G1 Coronation S. While her achievements in winning the G2 May Hill S. and G1 Fillies' Mile seemed laudable enough at the time, subsequent events have unfolded to display them in even better light particularly as they were garnered during her formative phase. As the Fillies' Mile and May Hill runner-up Prosperous Voyage (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) chased home the Fillies' Mile third and 'TDN Rising Star' Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) in the 1000 Guineas, the Gosdens' unbeaten filly was at Clarehaven waiting to fully bloom. Now that “Flaming June” is here with the weather to accompany it, she is here in glorious, vibrant colour with the world for now still at her feet.

Careful Tending

It was once said by Jim Joel that the late Sir Henry Cecil was “a man with green fingers for horses”, and it is that gentle and nurturing approach that has been adopted by John Gosden as patience was called for throughout recent weeks. “Inspiral was very slow coming to hand this year–it can happen to some fillies hormonally in the Spring,” he told QIPCO British Champions Series. “She had a tough Spring. You don't want to be forcing them and she was like a little bud that stayed tight, but we are very hopeful we'll get her there in good order. We are beginning to see the filly of last year again, so hopefully she'll put in a big performance. It will be great to have her back and her form from last year has looked great this year.”

Established Prestige

Highclere Thoroughbred's landmark Classic winner Cachet is undeniably at the forefront and the fact that she was just undone by Mangoustine (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp a fortnight after her Newmarket exploits only serves to enhance her reputation. She did not go fast enough there and James Doyle will be keen to revive the aggressive tactics that worked so emphatically at her beloved Newmarket from his draw in nine. That should set up a tactically straightforward affair, with her old rival Prosperous Voyage also sure to go forward from stall 12 to ensure a hot pace. With Inspiral absent from the Guineas, Cachet has to prove that she owns the crown and it was not merely leased but trainer George Boughey the filly with the admirable work ethic to shine again. “I think her work has stepped forward again and she looks stronger,” he told QIPCO British Champions Series. “She was coming back at the end at Longchamp and I slightly blame myself. We were drawn wide and I didn't want to blow her in front, so told James to crawl round if he could and turn it into a sprint. I'm very confident she stays a mile well and so we'll possibly look to make plenty of use of her. The weather looks set fair for fast ground, which her best form is on.”

A Diverse Cast

Under the Brit A-listers Inspiral and Cachet, there are key protagonists from France, Ireland and the States in what constitutes a fully stocked flowerbed for the mile championship for the 3-year-old fillies. Next to each other in seven and eight are the US duo Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and Spendarella (Karakontie {Jpn}) and, with their contrasting racing styles, it will be fascinating to see where they are positioned by Jose Ortiz and William Buick respectively. Spenderella likes to force it, as she proved when winning the GII Appalachian S. at Keeneland Apr. 9, while Pizza Bianca uses her power late. Spenderella's trainer Graham Motion told QIPCO British Champions Series, “We feel she really belongs. I don't want to compare her with the other fillies I have brought, because they were really good fillies in their own right. She is obviously less-campaigned than they were and she hasn't run against the likes of these horses, but she really hasn't done anything wrong.” A fast pace will also set it up for 'TDN Rising Star' and G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Tenebrism (Caravaggio), the daughter of the 2011 Coronation heroine Immortal Verse (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), who could prove that her eighth in the Guineas was all wrong.

Celebrating The Commonwealth

Tenebrism would have been a major player in the G1 Commonwealth Cup, which looks a wide-open affair as it enters its eighth year. Now firmly fixed in the Royal Ascot schedule and the international racing calendar, the only question is “why did it take so long to be established?” Last year's G2 Norfolk S. winner Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), who went on to capture the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S., is back in his comfort zone after a valiant try at the 2000 Guineas and there are no weak spots where he is concerned over this stiff six. It is notable that in Newbury's seven-furlong G3 Greenham S. Apr. 16, he readily beat Lusail (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) who has since taken off and almost won Tuesday's G1 St James's Palace S. El Caballo (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) is a genuine contender, with his winning streak culminating in Haydock's G2 Sandy Lane S. May 21 where he had several of these behind. Shadwell's 'TDN Rising Star' Ehraz (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) gives the impression he is building towards something special, while Ger Lyons is hoping that his luckless streak with raiders here can come to an end via Juddmonte's talented G3 Round Tower S. winner Sacred Bridge (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}).

An Albany To Savour

Friday's card gets underway with a fascinating G3 Albany S., where a pair of 'TDN Rising Stars' in Godolphin's Mawj (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) and Amo Racing's Queen Olly (Ire) (No Nay Never) take on Ballydoyle's May 15 G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint S. scorer Meditate (Ire) (No Nay Never). Mawj, a half-sister to Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), was a scarcely-believable 4 3/4-length debut winner from a subsequent scorer at Newmarket May 14 given her pedigree and normal progress will make her hard to beat. Queen Olly also impressed at York May 12 and looks to give Amo Racing that first Royal Ascot winner. In the G2 King Edward VII S., Changingoftheguard (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) represents the Derby form and he was an admirable fifth in Epsom's June 4 Blue Riband, especially as he probably raced too hard early and paid for it in the straight.

Diane Attracts 18

Ensuring there was no repeat of the Prix du Jockey Club double-draw farce, an independent bailiff was on hand to oversee Thursday morning's presentation for the 173rd edition of Chantilly's G1 Prix de Diane Longines. Proceedings concluded without hitch, with the overnight pre-confirmations all standing their ground and a final field of 18 is set to head postward for Sunday's €1-million 10 1/2-furlong Classic, turfdom's very own Competition of Elegance. Imad Al Sagar's Oaks third and 'TDN Rising Star' Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) fared well in stall two, to the outside of Juddmonte's G2 Prix Greffulhe runner-up Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) on the fence. Last term's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine and this year's 1000 Guineas fourth Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was also drawn favourably in five, while the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches third, fourth and fifth Times Square (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Rosacea (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) and Daisy Maisy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) are worse off in stall nine, 17 and 11, respectively. Last month's G1 Prix Saint-Alary second and third, Place du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Queen Trezy (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), are drawn alongside each other in stalls eight and seven while Ballydoyle's Toy (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) has been allocated post 16.

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18 Stand Firm For Chantilly’s Prix de Diane

Ensuring there was no repeat of the Prix du Jockey Club double-draw farce, an independent bailiff was on hand to oversee Thursday morning's presentation for the 173rd edition of Chantilly's G1 Prix de Diane Longines. Proceedings concluded without hitch, with the overnight pre-confirmations all standing their ground and a final field of 18 is set to head postward for Sunday's €1,000,000 10 1/2-furlong Classic, turfdom's very own Competition of Elegance. Imad Al Sagar's G1 Cazoo Oaks third Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is among the nominees and has drawn gate two, to the outside Juddmonte's G2 Prix Greffulhe runner-up Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in one. Last term's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine and this year's G1 1000 Guineas fourth Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will seek a first win of the campaign from the five hole. ParisLongchamp's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches form is headed by that Classic's third, fourth and fifth. Times Square (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) will emerge from stall nine, Rosacea (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) is to the outer in 17 and Daisy Maisy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will depart from gate 11. Last month's G1 Prix Saint-Alary second and third, Place du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Queen Trezy (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), have been drawn alongside each other in stalls eight and seven. Ballydoyle's loan representative, Pouliches 11th Toy (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), has been allocated post 16.

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All To Play For In The 1000 Guineas

After the decision to avoid the stress of a G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas examination for Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), the latest renewal of the Newmarket Classic has become open season for up-and-comers in the miling division. Very few of the 14 left in the race can be safely discounted and with a filly unproven beyond six furlongs at the head of the market, it is fair to say that anything can happen in this one. There were shades of Ravinella (Mr. Prospector) in the way Ballydoyle's number one and 'TDN Rising Star' Tenebrism (Caravaggio) went through the G1 Cheveley Park S. here in September, but there is a definite question mark over the mile for her and the performance of Flotus (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) here on Saturday was an untimely blow to that form. “She is unproven beyond six furlongs and maybe some have pegged her as a sprinter, but there is only one way to find out and that is on Sunday,” Ryan Moore said. “In terms of raw ability, we are happy with where she sits in the pecking order.”

Will Danehill's Record Fall?

Aidan O'Brien tends to win mile Classics with stouter-bred individuals, which brings in Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) but there is a feeling that the reality of winning a 1000 Guineas will be too much too soon as she builds experience ahead of an Oaks tilt. The Naas maiden winner shaped as the better filly when second to Discoveries (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) on her sole juvenile start and if she has made the leap she will be providing Galileo with the world record of stakes winners. This would be a stage fitting for such a landmark, and Ballydoyle's go-to rider Frankie Dettori only adds to the equation. “We are happy with where she is, as we didn't think we would be in this position with her four weeks ago,” the Ballydoyle handler admitted recently.

Setting The Scene

In an edition dominated by Irish and French-trained fillies, it looks a tall order for the home team to arrest the overseas momentum. The top-rated quartet among them are the quartet who chased home Inspiral in the course-and-distance G1 Fillies' Mile in October, and while Prosperous Voyage (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), 'TDN Rising Star' Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}), Mise En Scene (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Wild Beauty (GB) (Frankel {GB}) are all solid proposals here they all have something to find. Mise En Scene provides James Ferguson with a first Classic runner and he is understandably hopeful that the Qatar Racing and Racehorse Club-owned G3 Prestige S. winner could be at least a bit player in this play. “I honestly think it is the most open 1000 Guineas I can remember,” he said. “It is wonderful to have a filly this good and she deserves to be the shortest-priced British runner. The fact she has got stamina in her pedigree will help her.”

Guineas Set For Frexit?

This is a big year for Francis-Henri Graffard, who has been handed the golden opportunity of taking over the famous Aiglemont stables, and in Everest Racing, Barbara Keller and David Redvers's Malavath (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) he has a strong chance of making waves in this important monument. Building slowly to a crescendo last term, she went from a soft-ground win in the six-furlong G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte at Chantilly in October to a barnstorming finish when second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on a firm surface over this trip at Del Mar the following month. She put her compatriot Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in her place in the Apr. 7 G3 Prix Imprudence at Deauville, which during the 1980s was the launchpad used by Criquette Head for her Guineas heroines Ma Biche and Ravinella and by François Boutin for the great Miesque. “I couldn't have her in better form,” Graffard said. “She came on a lot from her seasonal debut and she's very well. When it comes to the ground, she's a very versatile filly and hopefully she is good enough for a race like this.”

The Supporting Cast

There is abundant intrigue away from the Guineas, with ParisLongchamp staging the G1 Prix Ganay where the G2 Prix d'Harcourt one-two-three Skalleti (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), Sealiway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) and Mare Australis (Ire) (Australia {GB}) re-oppose. Sir Michael Stoute, a master in races like the G2 Betfair Exchange Dahlia S., looks to Chris Humber and Hunscote Stud's G3 Pride S. winner Ville de Grace (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}) to provide him with a seventh renewal of Newmarket's nine-furlong test. In Germany, the G3 Bavarian Classic at Munich sees the latest potential Gestut Schlenderhan star step forward in the impressive Dusseldorf scorer So Moonstruck (Ger) (Sea the Moon {Ger}); while John and Thady Gosden who appear to have several Oaks hopefuls and saddle Juddmonte's Crenelle (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in the 10-furlong Listed Pretty Polly S. on the Guineas undercard.

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