Without offending the protagonists of this 2024 edition, the field this year seems quite open. No Truceni d’Mountaineerno Montjeu, Westover. However, we note the presence of three Group 1 winners in the ranks, including Iresinwho can cover the issue of Group 1 open to geldings in his niche in France.
The favors
If he is not the one who has the bookmakers’ favor, Iresin (404) is the one towards which the most bets converge. The resident of Jean-Pierre Gauvin was forced to delay his return, but he was able to show his form by winning with ease in Lyon in mid-May. Normally, Iresin, who doesn’t like fast surfaces, probably wouldn’t have raced at this time of year. But the capricious weather is an asset for him. Undefeated on the left-handed courses in France, he will discover the Saint-Cloud track, a racecourse which offers a beautiful and long final straight, which should serve the interests of this wait-and-see rider. Already winner of two Group 1s in France (photo of one at the finish of the Prix Ganay 2023), Iresin tries a nice triptych.
The challenger
Although he has no longer been imposed since his victory at the highest level, in the Paris Grand Prix, last year, the “books” place him in the lead. Feed The Flame (402) has just finished third in the Coronation Cup (Gr.1) on 31st May, for his return to the so-called classic distance. A performance which followed a similar result at Longchamp in the Prix Ganay (Gr.1), where he was beaten very narrowly by Zarir. At Saint-Cloud, which he will discover, he could give another waiter a hard time, Iresin.
Les outsiders
Many people see in Sevenna’s Knight (406) a potential party pooper, especially within our editorial team. Brilliantly extended, he is probably the best 4-year-old stayer trained on our soil. “Shortened” over the classic distance, he has enough speed to do well in a fairly open field, especially since the Saint-Cloud racecourse offers a very nice final straight.
Another cadet capable of doing well, Zarir (401) is the one whose odds are the most stable on the other side of the Channel. “Only” third in La Coupe (Gr. 3) at the beginning of June at Longchamp, he had previously taken second place at the finish of the Prix Ganay (Gr. 1). He will appreciate the lengthening of the distance and will try to remain unbeaten over 2,400 meters.
