French racing is desperate to follow the lead of its German counterparts by resuming racing, albeit without crowds. However, a final obstacle remains before the green light is given to end the suspension of action brought about by the the coronavirus pandemic.
There are last-minute concerns about a resumption based on Paris tracks, which are in an area of the country still designated as a “red zone” by the French government in which lockdown restrictions are due to be relaxed more slowly.
Star names entered at Longchamp
There are 131 declared runners for 10 races at Longchamp on Monday, including last year’s French Derby winner Sottsass (8/13 with Betfred) in the feature Group Two Prix D’Harcourt. Former Group One winner Victor Ludorum (a best 4/6) is due to take part in the Group Three Prix De Fontainebleu and there are two more Group Three races on the card – the Prix de Saint-Georges and Prix de la Grotte.
Total prize money is almost €500,000 so you can understand why trainers and owners want racing to go ahead but it may be a late decision and the scheduled early start time doesn’t leave much room for manoeuvre. For the time being, races are only open to horses trained in France.
Table of Contents
Prix de Saint-Georges Current Best Odds
Sestilio Jet 9/4
Gold Vibe 4/1
Batwan and Duhail 8/1
Ken Colt, Forza Capitano and We Go 10/1
Red Torch and Tour To Paris 14/1
Morning Basma 20/1
(Odds correct at 11.30 BST, May 9, 2020)
Prix de Saint-Georges Conclusions
SESTILIO JET (9/4 with Betfred) looks a worthy favourite for the 5f sprint which is scheduled to open proceedings at Longchamp.
Andrea Marcialis’ five-year-old was poorly drawn when just under a length behind Gold Vibe in the Prix de l’Abbaye in October and should reverse that form.
He beat Batwan, Ken Colt, Gold Vibe and Forza Capitano in the Prix de Saint-Georges last year when it was run on heavy going and may have most to fear from We Go (10/1 with Betfred).
One of three entries for Henri-Alex Pantall, the latter has won twice on the Polytrack this year so fitness won’t be an issue and he is the choice of Pierre-Charles Boudot.
Duhail is the unknown quantity having only run three times. He’s trained by Andre Fabre but was beaten when racing over 5f at Deauville last July.
French racing Betting at Betfred
Prix de la Grotte Current Best Odds
Tropbeau 6/4
Khayzaraan 15/8
Dream And Do 8/1
Quiet Times 14/1
Ellerslie Lace 20/1
Tickle Me Green 25/1
Kraquante, Secret Green and Marly 33/1
Honey Cake 66/1
(Odds correct at 11.30 BST, May 9, 2020)
Prix de la Grotte Conclusions
Tropbeau heads the betting with Betfred at 6/4 for this classic trial run over a mile but there are ground for concern over the trip.
Though she won three times over 7f last year before finishing third in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket, Andre Fabre’s filly’s breeding is not packed with stamina compared to some of her rivals.
There is also race-fitness to take into account and Quiet Times (a general 14/1) has already won at Chantilly this year.
Khayzaraan will have no problem lasting home as she won over a mile at Deauville and Chantilly last year and the Kingman filly is being targeted at the Prix Diane.
DREAM AND DO could be the stand-out bet at 8/1 with Coral. She did nothing but improve last year and was always holding the runner-up when landing the Group Three Prix Miesque at Maisons-Lafitte in October. His trainer’s runners are often underestimated at the big Paris tracks.
NEW CUSTOMER OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £5 WITH CORAL
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PROMOTIONAL PERIOD
This Sports Promotion is available to qualifying customers until further notice. If we decide to withdraw this Sports Promotion, this will not impact any Qualifying Bets you have placed during the Promotional Period before such withdrawal.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THIS SPORTS PROMOTION
This Sports Promotion is open to UK & Republic of Ireland residents aged 18 years or over opening a new Online, Mobile and Telephone account in either £/€ currency.
This Sports Promotion is not available to customers who open new accounts depositing funds with Paypal, Moneybookers, Paysafe, Neteller or Skrill.
Employees of the Promoter, any advertising agency or web company connected with the promoter or any such person’s agents or members of their families or households, are not eligible to participate in this Sports Promotion. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the eligibility of all participants.
HOW TO CLAIM THIS SPORTS PROMOTION
To claim this Sports Promotion, the first bet on your account after registration must be a Qualifying Bet. If you don’t follow these steps the free bet will not be applied to your account.
A “Qualifying Bet” will be a real money sports bet of at least £/€5 win or £/€5 each-way, at fractional odds totalling 1/2 (decimal odds 1.5) or greater. For a single line accumulator bet, each individual selection of the bet must at fractional odds of 1/2 or greater to be deemed a Qualifying Bet. Please note that only the win parts of win/each-way bets will qualify.
A bet will not be considered a Qualifying Bet if it is wagered on Tote or Pools.
A bet will not be considered a Qualifying Bet if for any reason it becomes void.
The Qualifying Bet must be made within 14 days of your account registration. Bets placed after this date will not qualify for this Sports Promotion.
Once you have placed your first Qualifying Bet, we will credit your account with 4 x £/€5 free bets. We will credit your free bets to your account as soon as you make a Qualifying Bet.
RESTRICTIONS ON YOUR FREE BET
Your free bet must be used within 4 days of it being credited to your account, otherwise it will expire.
Free bets cannot be redeemed for cash at any time.
Your free bet must be wagered in full, can be redeemed on Win or Each-Way Bets and can only be used on the following listed Bet types: Single, Double, Treble, 4-Fold and Upwards Accumulator, Forecast and Combination. Free bets are not valid on Football Jackpot, tote, other combination and multiple bets (i.e. Lucky 15s).
Please note that the value of your free bet will not be included in any winnings.
Your free bet is not returned if your free bet wager becomes void.
You cannot “Cash Out” your free bet/s.
The same Maximum Pay Out restrictions set out in our General Website Terms & Conditions will equally apply to this Sports Promotion.
