Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Gr.I): Henri Matisse must bounce back

Friday 04th October 2024 01:43 PM

Three-quarter length. This is what was missing Henri Matisse so that he manages to preserve his invincibility in four outings in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Gr.I – 2 years – 1,400 m), on September 15 at the Curragh (Ireland). Visibly disappointed with the performance of his resident, Aidan O’Brien, who has already won the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Gr. I) eight times, will therefore resort to extreme measures by equipping the son of Wootton Bassettthis Sunday. Entrusted to Ryan Moore, the protégé of Coolmore’s associates has many assets in his favor and everything suggests that he should be able to quickly bounce back, despite very serious opposition. Its main rival is none other than the French breeding Rashabar. Impeccable since the start of his career, the son ofHoly Roman Emperor has already proven himself on our soil by placing second in the Prix Morny (Gr. I), this summer in Deauville. “He was last unhappy in Morny. He comes into this event in very good shape and has an excellent chance” specifies his mentor, Brian Meehan. The only small reservation that we can have about the latter’s candidacy is that he will perform for the first time over the distance of 1,400 meters, he who has never been over more than 1,200 meters until now . But its pedigree is reassuring in this regard. Arriving in full progress on group I, Field of Gold has just made a big impression in the Solario Stakes (Gr. III – 2 years – 1,400 m) in Sandown (England). The bookmakers were seduced since they positioned him as co-favorite with Henri Matisse at odds of 3/1. Beaten by the last mentioned in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes recently, Cowardofthecounty seems barred for success but a good performance from him is expected. “He’s a very versatile colt. He ran well in the National Stakes and has worked very well since” reassures Joseph O’Brien, Aidan’s son. The master of Ballydoyle will also saddle Camille Pissarowho is still looking for his first success at group level.

Our French have talent

In this “stallion making race” (a race renowned for producing very good stallions), two colts trained in France should also be taken seriously. Houquetotdeveloped by the formidable Christopher Head validated his ticket for the Lagardère by winning the Prix La Rochette (Gr. III) hard on this route of the Longchamp slide, on September 8. That day, the son of Wootton Bassettwho also won this event in 2010, was ahead of Heytbeli (see below), Revolutionary et Tiego The Firstwho finished second, third and fifth respectively. All these little people will once again meet up but the beaten ones will have difficulty taking their revenge. The other French colt who has the means to fight for success is none other than Misunderstoodundefeated in two outings. Recent winner of the Prix des Chênes (Gr. III), the partner of Alexis Pouchin will set off with the confidence of his trainer, Mario Baratti. “He will do a top 3 years. He never stops progressing and his latest work is excellent. We arrive without too much stress on this very pretty group I.” Please note that this event, which is also open to fillies, will only take place between colts this year because none dared to challenge the males.