In one of the rare occasions of the season, the ITV Racing cameras head abroad, with five races live from Longchamp on Sunday. Here are Joe Napier’s best bets across the programme.
12.55 Longchamp – Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac – Criterium des Pouliches (Group 1)
Zarigana is the talking horse for the home side, leaving a big impression in her two starts to date. That had been the case for Bedtime Story after an unbeaten start to her career over four starts, but her bubble burst last time out, and while her reputation still burns after some positive comments from Aidan O’Brien, there are doubts enough now, especially with soft ground possible.
I backed SIMMERING to beat her in the Moyglare Stud Stakes three weeks ago, and while that happened, Ollie Sangster’s filly had to settle for second behind Lake Victoria. That winner has since hacked up in the Cheveley Park Stakes though, so the form is as strong as it looked at the time. Though the fear is certainly there that Bedtime Story could turn the tables if not forced to make her own running, the prices make the selection the value bet again at at least three points higher.
1.30 Longchamp – Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1)
He should probably have won the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh over Irish Champions Weekend and HENRI MATISSE can make amends in Paris.
He won his first three starts despite appearing less than professional, with his Group 2 success over Beresford Stakes winner Hotazhell looking all the better now, especially under a 3lb penalty. However, his amateurish ways got the better of him when beaten just under a length in the National Stakes, but going round a bend for a first time may help him, as will an inside draw in stall three.
His form is far superior to fellow joint favourite Field Of Gold’s, he should have no trouble adapting if the going is slower, and he should have the ability to repel today’s threats. That he is not universally the outright favourite is a surprise.
2.05 Longchamp – Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (Group 1)
Bradsell will be facing his fourth race in nine weeks here, having returned from 329 days off the track in August. That might begin to catch up with him here, though Believing, his recent adversary, has been even busier. They are drawn close together for the first time, having been on opposite sides in both the Nunthorpe and Flying Five where Bradsell got the better of the draw each time.
They are clear on form, but the improving filly NO HALF MEASURES could just have theirs. This race has been won by three-year-olds five times since 2016 and even a juvenile in 2022, so youngsters often have the upper hand on their elders. Neither Bradsell or Believing are exactly in the twilight of their careers, but then again more six-year-olds have won in the last decade than their age of four.
The selection has been a winning machine with six successes in ten starts, landing her first Group 3 on heavy last time. She was slightly disappointing here two starts back, but Oisin Murphy taking over looks a positive and further improvement looks on the cards.
Looking For More Racing Info? Check Out Our Racecards & Top Tips Sections
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.