Parislongchamp 06 October 2012
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VILNA probably just about sets the standard and she looks sure to give another good account here. She gets a tentative verdict over Halloween Chope, who has solid claims on the form of her Maisons-Laffitte second last time. Si Sage is also highly respected.
The penny looks to have really dropped with SHANTARAM and he relished the step up to 1m5f when landing the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy in good style at Newmarket when last seen in July. Further progress beckons now upped in distance and he looks the one to beat here with conditions to suit. Pale Mimosa, two from two since being upped to 1m4f this term, is an interesting Irish raider but the biggest threat may come from Verema, who accounted for three of today's rivals when landing a C&D Group 3 last month.
The home team boasts a strong hand, with the consistent Evaporation sure to be in the firing line again and French 2000 winner Lucayan expected to relish the return to 1m. Pascal Bary's Mainsail would have strong claims if bouncing back from a surprise Group 3 reverse but it could pay to side with UK raider HIGHLAND KNIGHT, who stepped up a gear to land the Group 2 Darley Oettingen-Rennen at Baden-Baden in fine style from the reopposnig Dux Scholar last time out. He has kept on improving this term and there could be more to come.
CIRRUS DES AIGLES could only manage runner-up in the Prix D'Ispahan before the six-year-old was disqualified due to a prohibited substance in the post-race sample, but last year's Champion Stakes victor sets a very good standard here as he prepares for a potential mouth-watering clash with the brilliant Frankel in this year's renewal at Ascot. He's expected to prove tough to beat as he returns to competitive action, but Maxios isn't to be overlooked having gained the scalp of Reliable Man at Maisons-Laffitte last month, while John Gosden's Colombian could run a big race at a potentially rewarding price.
SHIROCCO STAR had Coquet behind in both the Epsom and Yorkshire Oaks this year and Hughie Morrison's consistent filly can finally land a big one. The form book suggests she goes better when there is cut in the ground and, if punters are able to look past a slightly below-par effort on the Knavesmire last time, her form at the Curragh when behind only the Arc-bound Great Heavens in the Irish Oaks stacks up well. Preferential can build on her win in Listed company at Chantilly last month, while Dalkala wasn't far away in the Group 2 Prix De Pomone at Deauville on her most recent start and she's another to keep an eye on.
AL AZRAQ comes into this in terrific form and he looks sure to run another big race this afternoon. In a competitive heat, he is narrowly preferred to Rocky Roulette. There are plenty with chances, however, including Elasyaaf, Pollyana and Calcutta.
FAZAH is a reliable performer and she sets the standard for the others to aim at. She can get the better of her stablemate, Sahlambo. Al Moutawakila can also make her presence felt.
FOL AMI has been performing consistently well of late and in a fiercely competitive handicap, he is a token selection. Estarquefigue can also make his presence felt and the likes of Turcoman's and Little Power are highly respected.
