Chantilly highlights the 2-year-olds

The Saturday, September 20th meeting at Chantilly puts the spotlight on the younger generation, with two Group 3 races dedicated to 2-year-olds: the Prix Eclipse – European Breeders’ Fund and the Prix des Chênes – European Breeders’ Fund, as well as races restricted to unraced 2-year-old colts and fillies. The third Group 3 of the day, the Prix Bertrand de Tarragon, is open to fillies and mares aged three and up.

It will be fast and furious over the 1,200 meters straight course of the Prix Eclipse, with eight runners, including just one international contender: the British-trained Wootton Faayth (Ardad), already a winner of the Critérium du Béquet – Osarus Sale (L) earlier this summer at La Teste. She is the only one with a Group or Listed victory to her name, alongside the French-trained Graft (US Navy Flag), who won the Prix La Flèche (L) at Chantilly. Still lightly raced with only two outings, including a win at Deauville, Samangan (Blue Point) looks like an up-and-coming contender.

Greater stamina will be required to cover the 1,600 meters of the Prix des Chênes, which has drawn seven entries, including the supplementary entry Oceans Four (Zoustar), trained in England by Brian Meehan. The colt was beaten only a nose in the Solario Stakes (Group 3), but was demoted to third place for interference. The French challengers will face tough opposition, as the other British runner, Rochfortbridge (Mehmas), was very impressive when winning on debut before finishing fourth in the Acomb Stakes (Group 3). The home team can count notably on Segall (Sottsass), successful first time out on June 3rd, ahead of Synaran (Mehmas), who went on to win next time out.

Finally, the Prix Bertrand de Tarragon has attracted a strong field of 14 runners, including six 3-year-old fillies. Relaxx (City Light) has been knocking on the door for a first Group win, as has American Gal (Kameko), seen earlier this year in the Prix de Diane Longines (Gr1). Winner of her first four starts, Al Uqda (Ghaiyyath) suffered her first defeat this summer at Deauville in the Prix de Psyché (Gr3). She will attempt to bounce back over 1,800 meters.