Ris-Orangis : Inns of Court trades miles for pounds
Photo scoopdyga.com
5-year-old Inns of Court (Invincible Spirit) is probably one of the strongest impressions left at the QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club meeting on June 2nd. That day, the Godolphin representative left his rivals far behind over 5 furlongs in the Prix du Gros-Chêne (Gr2), beating the course record by over two seconds, from a minute to 57''60.
Rather than go to Newmarket to run in the Darley July Cup (Gr1), that same Saturday, his connections chose to compete in the Prix de Ris-Orangis (Gr3) at the same distance of 6 furlongs in Maisons-Laffitte, despite a penalty of 6lbs. The horse won this race last year. He will cross arms again with his second that day, King Malpic (King's Best), second again in the Prix du Palais-Royal (Gr3) on this distance at ParisLongchamp lately, and also Gold Vibe (Dream Ahead), fourth in the "Gros-Chêne".
The best rating behind these three is Stormbringer (Dutch Art), a consistent sprinter last year in England, who has just started in France under the training of Gavin Hernon by a third place in a minor event.
Also consistent on short distances, the Spanish raider Hackney Road (Aqlaam) tries to stamp her passport for the top league of sprinters here. Comedia Eria (Lope de Vega), fourth in a Listed race at Chelmsford on AWT in England, runs for the first time at Group level at 7 after climbing the ladder in the handicaps. She is trained in Senonnes by Patrick Monfort and his son Edouard.