The day promises an informative racing experience, showcasing the excitement of Paris Longchamp alongside domestic events at Ffos Las.
Classic Prospects Green Spirit and Narissa Clash at Paris Longchamp
In a highly anticipated matchup, Green Spirit and Narissa are set to compete in the relaunch of the Prix Grotte at Paris Longchamp Racecourse. Green Spirit, ridden by Christopher Head, made significant strides last season, winning her first four races, which included triumphs at Group 3 and Group 2 levels. Though she finished second to Diamond Necklace in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc Day, her performance established her as a formidable contender as she reenters the race under Maxime Guyon.
Narissa, who tracked Green Spirit closely, finished behind her three times last year, including a notable third place in Group 1. Currently both horses are priced at 8/1 in the French 1000 Guineas, and each will need to show improvement over the winter to close the competitive gap. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard brings significant experience, having trained dual contenders like Anashkaya, who is associated with jockey Christophe Soumillon.
Meanwhile, Evolutionist delivered an impressive third-place finish in the Group 1 Mares Mile, and trainer Carl Burke’s contender cannot be overlooked in this impressive lineup.
Night Time Returns as Runner-Up in the Lagardère at Paris Longchamp
The spotlight will be on the Group 3 Prix Fontainebleau, starting at 2:50 p.m., where a chance to secure a prestigious Classic victory is at stake. The colt, trained by Christopher Head, secured victories in three out of five races during his 2-year-old season and ended the year with a strong second-place finish behind Puerto Rico in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère. Given this performance, he is rightfully positioned as the favorite and is well-suited for the 1-mile distance.
Regal Resolve emerges as the principal competitor for the prolific Francis-Henri Graffard. Having recently been restocked for this race, Regal Resolve secured a second place in a three-horse field after winning two lower-grade races in varied weather conditions at Chantilly, making him a worthy challenger for this higher class.
Erast holds a fitness advantage, having recently competed in a Listed race at Saint-Cloud last month, while Jean-Claude Rougier’s Campasite appears to be in optimal form as well.
Intriguing Maiden Hurdle at Ffos Las Features Doujadou and Into The Blue
The competitive Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Maiden Hurdle brings together Doujadou and Into The Blue, among a field of 11. Rebecca Curtis, who triumphed last season with Newton Tornado, is now looking to Doujadou, who has shown promise in recent outings over hurdles. He has demonstrated potential with a solid record and is expected to continue his upward trajectory in this race.
Into The Blue, a noteworthy entry trained by Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville, boasts an impressive pedigree tracing back to Blue Breeze. Given this lineage, he warrants close attention in the market ahead of the race.
Need-A-Win, trained by Sam Thomas, currently holds the highest rating at 122 and presents a strong case for victory, provided he is fit after a rest.
Looking Ahead to Other Notable Races
The Group 3 Prix Noailles, scheduled for 3:25 p.m. at Paris Longchamp, has historically featured some of the sport’s brightest talents, including the remarkable Carandagan in 2024. This year, Spespewaltz, trained by Andre Favre, is eagerly anticipated, while Joseph O’Brien’s Hardy Warrior is drawing attention on the home front.
For the Listed Seymour Prix set for 4 p.m., Map of Stars and Marquisat are poised to attract considerable interest from punters, with James Doyle set to ride the former for Wasnan Racing. Closer to home, the promising Manigodo is expected to perform well in the Tommy Williams Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Ffos Las, making for an action-packed day of racing.
