Preview - Gr I Grand-Steeple Chase de Paris

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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 19 & 23 Mai 2009 - 22.21 pm
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Mandarin, Katko, Al Capone II, First Gold, Kotkijet. Raw talent, stamina, agility, relentless power, determination and courage; they all won the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris and that's what they were made of. Initially known as the Grand National de France, the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is nothing else but the equivalent of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. With 820,000 Euros guaranteed in prize-money, ran over a distance of 5,800 m, it is one of the greatest jump races in the world and provides the stiffest task of all and the ultimate achievement for a steeple-chaser.

With fourteen acceptors so far, the contest should be run at a decent pace, and despite reassuring echoes of 'very soft' ground, this week's winning margins indicate very testing conditions. As opposed to the Gold Cup, with the likes of Kauto and Denman, this renewal lacks a true star but with plenty of cut in the ground, whoever comes home first is a seriously good horse.


Jacques Ricou will partner 2007 victor Mid Dancer, who has worked very well at home, reported French daily Paris-Turf. He powered home with plenty left in the tank in the Ingre, said Sean Mulryan's first jockey when interviewed on 'Radio Balances'. Cyrlight is surely the classiest competitor, having put everyone in trouble on many occasions in Pattern races. The downside is that he is a bit 'risky' sometimes, overconfident in his ability his jumping can be scruffy and he'll always hit one or two fences quite hard in a race. Equally, tomorrow's 29-furlong trip has never been his cup of tea as things panned out.

Jean-Paul Gallorini tasted victory here on two occasions with Kotkijet, who was nicknamed 'Tyson' or otherwise known as 'Le Bulldozer' by Auteuil racegoers. Remember Rose came second in the Gr II Ingre. Highly regarded by his mentor, the six-year-old's prep has gone very smoothly indeed. He has not been given a hard time since his return to action in April and the mount of 15 times-Champion Jockey Christophe Pieux will be in top shape. It's also been said in the French press that trainer is oozing confidence.

Francois-Marie Cottin is delegating a big team with four runners. A dual winner of this event, Princesse d'Anjou is a fantastic mare, has the heart of a lion but her form suggests that she's on the downward curve. The daughter of Nononito is surely capable of grabbing a prize but a win would be a huge surprise.

Musica Bella was out her depth in the John Smith Grand National and she'll appreciate coming back to Auteuil but once again she seems up against it. Last but not least, on the back of two consecutive wins, Peldero is installed second favourite, trading around 3-1 surprisingly. He is definitely an improving type but to me he is not proven with the big guns.

The Willie Mullins-trained Pomme Tiepy gave a good account of himself in the Irish Grand National in which he traveled beautifully until outstayed by Niche Market and company. He has a fair chance to grab a sizeable check but going home in front of Mid Dancer, Remember Rose, Princesse D'Anjou and other course specialists looks unlikely.

Pau-based prolific trainer Jacques Ortet sends Berrryville to tackle the big boys. His third in the Ingre was most encouraging and there must be some confidence behind the son of poliglote. A most meticulous handler, Ortet knows what he's doing, saddled the 2005 winner Sleeping Jack, and tomorrow's charge is really not to be dismissed.

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Selection : Remember Rose
Biggest Threat : Mid Dancer
Outsider : Berryville.
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Sources : http://www.racingPost.com - http://www.paris-turf.com - http://www.realisateurtv.net/galopad/ (RadioBalances).