With the Proviso Goldikova Folds

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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 16 May 2009 - 22.26 pm
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FRANCE : LONGCHAMP - PRIX D'ISPAHAN


When one notices that Proviso has been kept in training by André Fabre, the first question that pops in your mind is...why? It had to be mentionned and with no intention of second-guessing the master trainer's thoughts, it would be interesting to find out why the daughter of Dansili has been stepped up to Group I company.

Early in her career, Prince Khalid Abdullah's filly showed plenty of ability. A debut winner, she took the Gr III Prix du Calvados on her second outing before she finished second in the Gr I Meon Valley Stud at Ascot. Then it has to be said that she had a mixed three-year-old campaign on the grounds of a sole victory at Listed level at Bordeaux.

Still, earlier on she displayed a very solid performance in the Diane, fourth behind the all-conquering Zarkava and until the two-furlong marker she was still second, so today's nine- furlongs will be her optimum trip. Add to that, the ground will be on the soft side; a definite advantage for her. When she made her seasonal debut in a conditions race four weeks ago, the fact is, she did not beat the smartest opposition but the job was done in impeccable fashion, clearing away with a six-length margin and THAT probably comforted Andre Fabre's decision to throw her in with the big boys.

If she is in the line-up, it means, firstly that Proviso has changed from three to four and secondly, that her mentor thinks she ought to be competitive at this level

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PRIX D'ISPAHAN PREVIEW
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Tazeez is a very solid performer who recorded a career-best in the Gr III Earl of Sefton Stakes, the form of which was boosted by Juddmonte Lockinge third Twice Over. The fact remains that his best form is at Newmarket, on good to firm to good so the potential downsides might be tomorrow's course and soft ground, the five-year old has never run here before.

Loup Breton was third here last year, will like the cut in the ground, and if able to take the lead, he'll be a big danger since he's got stamina and knows the course and distance off by heart. Just proved he is a genuine Group I horse when second to Vision d'Etat. His form is very solid. He should be in the shake-up.

Off the back of a convincing victory in the Gr III Mooresbridge Stakes, Curtain Call showed he's back into business after disposing of Famous Name. The only negatives are Luca Cumani's four-year-old failed to make a true impact at this level in four attempts and Longchamp has not been his cup of tea so far.

Goldikova's form is head and shoulders above the rest. With the proviso that she is fully fit and ready to tackle a longer trip for the first time, her opponents will find life very hard but the questions marks still remain. She is also here on her seasonal debut, but at any rate she'll be in the money.

Never on Sunday is a typical J-C Rouget-shaped horse. He's been gradually stepping up in class and will bid to provide Elusive Wave's mentor a first win in this contest. Fifth out of nine, he made an encouraging reappearance in the Gr II Prix d'Harcourt. He'll strip fitter on Sunday and given a forty-day break, will still be fresh. It's very hard to write him off, though the only reservation I would have is his ability to handle a soft surface, being by Sunday Silence.

Gris de Gris is up against it but has a reasonable chance to conclude in the frame. Celebrissime will be setting the pace for stable companion Goldikova. Runaway looks out of his depth, Gris de Gris and will need to produce an outsanding performance if he is to take a placing.

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Selection : Proviso
Biggest threat : Goldikova
Outsider : Loup Breton
Lay for a win: Curtain Call

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Sources : http://www.racingpost.com/ - www.wikipedia.org
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