The Montgomery is a bit like the “Favorite Dead Prize”. Since the turn of the century, the outsiders have taken the lion’s share in this Group III contested according to the handicap formula. It’s very simple, alone Kahyadam in 2015 and Little Brick in 2005 established themselves by being favored by punters. During the other 22 editions, we went from (small) surprise to (big) surprise, like the victory of Gai Luron – again at the start this year – in 2022 at odds of 103/1 or Smabelle at 60/1 in 2009. We may still have to draw from the ranks of the outsiders this year as the race looks particularly open.
Daniela Mele arrives in force at the start of this edition with four good servants. Obviously, Caligramme presents the best luck among its residents. The partner of Lucas Zuliani has just won, over the hurdles, for his return to Nantes by showing himself pugnacious. Fallen in the President of the Republic Prize, of which he was the favorite in the spring, the son of Joshua Tree, still waiting for a first victory at Auteuil, could still take on this status on Thursday. But, as we have just recalled, this does not necessarily bode well for a happy outcome. So, perhaps we should take an interest in the three other protégés of the Swiss woman, who have the typical profile of a surprise guest. So, Johnny Roque, who has already won on the Mortemart hill and likes deep terrain, will be equipped with Australian blinders to counteract his casual side. Or Miralago, whose form was already evident during his return to the hurdles. Daniela Mele strived to keep him fresh so that he showed himself in his best light in this quinté. In value 61, Inaya Jones is once again able to appear at the finish. It is, in any case, close to the value attributed to it (60) during its only success at Auteuil. For him, as for the other two ultimately, it will be a question of goodwill. “If he is motivated, he will be competitive,” estimates the professional from Gavray (Manche).
Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, the specialist
The only coach to have won the Montgomery Prize several times (2020, 2015, 2014) over the last 10 years, Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé will be doubly represented with Showly, 2e of the last President of the Republic Prize but not really convincing last in the Violin II Prize where his training partner, heralist, showed himself to his advantage in the final phase, without being able to compete with Undivided. The latter will have a good card to play here despite the overload following the victory. A difficult mission for Augustin de Boisbrunet’s horse, but not impossible. In 2013, Tito Dela Barriere had won the Montgomery after winning a steeplechase handicap at Auteuil during his previous attempt.
The number: 20/1
This is the average rating for the winner of the Montgomery Prize since 2000.
