Chantilly under the sign of youth and class

The major raceday on Saturday, October 11 at Chantilly will celebrate both youth and quality, with a strong programme featuring four fine contests, headlined by the Group 2 Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte.

Run over 1,200 metres on Chantilly’s straight course, the Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte provides a showcase for the season’s top two-year-old sprinters. A traditional stepping stone towards the major autumn events, it has revealed numerous future stars, from Hello Youmzain – now a successful stallion at Haras d’Etreham – to Malavath, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup following her victory in the Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte, and second again in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de la Forêt at three.

This year, six promising youngsters will line up in this competitive Group 2, with the key form line being that of the Group 3 Prix Éclipse, won by Samangan ahead of Graft and Royal Bay Cen.

Tim Donworth sends out Trinquette, who was narrowly denied in the Prix des Trois Roses d’Argent (Class 2, 1,200m) at Saint-Cloud. The trainer explained: “The colt is in great shape. He came out of his last race very well. I’m slightly concerned about the forecast good ground at Chantilly as he prefers some give underfoot, but for now, everything is going smoothly.”

Street Show recently opened his account in a handicap at Chantilly, following a second-place finish in the Arqana Series – Critérium d’Été (Class 2, 1,300m). His trainer, Joakim Brandt, commented: “He’s stepping up in class, but at this stage of the season, it’s worth testing him to gauge his true level and current form. We had tried stretching him out with the Critérium d’Automne in mind, but he doesn’t quite stay that far yet. He’s a colt we’ve always liked. Even at the sale, he stood out as a lovely, easy-going type. He’s very laid-back and only does what’s asked, but he has a sharp turn of foot. We fitted him with a hood when trying longer trips, but he won’t need it this time. He handles all types of ground without any particular preference. Maxime Guyon is expected to ride him.”

Another key race for the two-year-olds, the Prix Saraca offers an intermediate test over 1,400 metres. This Listed contest, always popular with connections, brings together several youngsters who have already shone in conditions races. It has often served as a launchpad for future top-level performers, such as last year’s winner Sajir.

Over 1,800 metres, the Prix Le Fabuleux is reserved for ambitious three-year-olds still on the rise. Eight runners are expected, including the highly consistent Nitoi, representing Wertheimer & Frère, and Diego Ventura, running for Wathnan Racing. This race, often rich in insight, highlights promising horses seeking their first black-type victory.

The day will begin with the Prix de Coye, a Class 1 event over 1,900 metres on the all-weather track, open to older horses. It promises to be a competitive affair where experience and stamina will count, with proven contenders such as Climate Change, Monty, and Darlinghurst among the field. A fine curtain-raiser to a high-quality Chantilly card marked by consistency and class.