Proportional Bidding 7th for Criquette.

Poule D'Essai des Pouliches, Gr I, 3 y-o, Fillies - Proportional heads field of 11.
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By ARSENE ABITBOL - 7 May 2009 - 22.53 pm
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Fourth behind Copperbeech in her first start at two, Proportional's (Beat Hollow (8.9f)-Minority (Generous (11.8f)) second outing was rewarded by a narrow win in an ordinary maiden (Course F) at Chantilly.
In Britain, maiden stakes are classified into various categories, ranging from Class 6 to Class 2 for the top Maiden Stakes. In France, the hierarchy is very similar except the lowest Maiden Stakes are called 'Course G' and the top Maiden races are named 'Course B'.

But what is it that catches the eye in the career of the Beat Hollow filly?

Well... She went on straight from Maiden to Group 1 company. Only this time, the Criquette Head-trained filly scored by a very comfortable three lengths margin in the Prix Marcel Boussac, which incidently starred the likes of Zarkava (2007), Finsceal Beo (2006), Divine Proportions (2004), Denebola (2003) and Six Perfections (2002).

Beaten by Tamazirte (1st) and Soneva in the Prix de la Grotte (Gr III), it is the opinion of many racegoers and French journalists that her reappearance was a slight disappointment to say the least... It certainly isn't my opinion and I firmly believe that she raced as a rusty filly who needed the run badly. After all, she briefly took the lead at the two furlongs marker and kept the same pace for the last 200 yards, trailing only half a length behind Jean-Claude Rouget's Star filly. Ridden by Prince Khalid Abdullah's 1st jockey, Stephane Pasquier (Arc 2006 -Rail Link) has not given her a hard race and similarly to her first outing as a juvenile (4th) , she looks like the type of filly who comes an awful lot after a 'prep' run. At two, she was able to improve by a staggering 34 lbs in between her second and third outing.

Besides, a very harsh winter has not proven ideal for Chantilly-based runners. Chantilly training center, 'Les Aigles' was hit with frozen tracks, whereas South-West trained horses in particular, fared much better than usual (Le Havre beating Naaqoos in the Djebel, Tamarzite in the Grotte, etc...). And finally the good news is that Proportional's odds will be great value for money.

Holding no less than 12 successes in British Group 1 races, Criquette Head also saddled no less than six Poule d'Essai victors; so if any professional trainer knows how to win this, she is the one.
In conclusion, Proportional appears to be the major threat in Sunday's tournament.

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Closest pursuer to Proportional in last year's Boussac, Elusive Wave scored in impressive fashion in the Imprudence (Gr III). She will fare very well but is doubtful to lift the trophy. Out of Elusive City, the mile could prove too long again. Her latest rival, Entre Deux Eaux is very unlikely to reverse the form.

Tamazirte and Soneva are both very consistent and closely matched. It is not an easy task to split them and their Grotte (Gr III) run was very convincing. A good display is awaited.

Doriana is useful but fairly exposed and compared to others lots of questions are raised as to the trip, her form and her ability to handle such a big step up in class.

Fantasia drew a seven furlongs clear of his opponents in the Nell Gwynn Stakes (Gr III) and although the form is hard to evaluate she was the only filly who opposed Rainbow View, the 2008 best juvenile. Installed the odds-on favorite she will take all the beating and is bidding to become a top-class three-year-old.

And finally the Irish flag will be held by Oh Goodness Me. Victorious in the Park Express Stakes on her comeback, the daughter of Galileo doesn't know how to run a bad race and on the evidence of her tenacity in the Eyrefield Stales (Listed Race -Leopardstown,1m1f) she is entitled to display a huge performance. In fact, she was the only contender able to challenge the highly regarded Aga Khan-owned Mourayan, entered in the Irish Derby. By a Derby winner, her prominent style and stamina index enable her to lead in the early stages and hold on gamely until the post. Caution! The sorcerer's card might upset!

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Selection : Proportional
Biggest threat : Fantasia
Outsider : Oh Goodness Me

Documented sources : www.racingpost.com - www.france-galop.com - www.wikipedia.com