Gros-Chêne: Pradaro rings the bell

June 6, 2021, Chantilly Racecourse (Oise). - The weaker rating at the start of the Prix du Gros-Chêne (Gr2) finally prevailed but there were a few hints that should have led the punters to show more respect. He beat the second favourite Berneuil (Lope de Vega), who had seemed to take over one out. But Pradaro (Penny’s Picnic) was not done yet and he fought back to win by a short neck. The two first home were drawn respectively 4 and 3. The last time they met, on this course and distance in April, Pradaro was drawn 10 while Berneuil, who beat him by 1.5 lengths then, had the draw 3 already. After that, Pradaro was placed in two handicaps carrying big loads, 9-6 and 9-8. Today, he was back to his best and beat the three placed horses in the Prix de Saint-Georges (Gr3), that is Berneuil, Batwan (Kendargent) and Air de Valse (Mesnil des Aigles). The winner on that day, Ideal Beauty (Invincible Spirit) was never in the race today.

It was a 7th win for Pradaro and the 6-year-old gelding has now earned over €200,000. He was bred in France by Guy Pariente, who sold him for €42,000 at Arqana. His Samum brother was sold €16,000 in 2019. He ran over jumps since but is still a maiden. A Goken colt is born in 2019 and in training with Jane Soubagne.