31 May 2019
Photo Prix du Gros-Chêne 2018 : scoopdyga.com
Five runners were confirmed over the Chantilly 5-furlong-straight course at Chantilly, Sunday in the Prix du Gros-Chêne (Gr2). last year, Finsbury Square finally won the race after finishing 3rd and 2nd. Only one 3-year-old is in as Aidan O'Brien confirmed the filly Gossamer Wings (Scat Daddy), even though she failed twice this season in her home country over short distances.
The last 3yo filly to win the race was Wizz Kid, who won in 2011 and again at 4 in 2012. The last 3-year-old is the gelding Rangali in 2014.
The unluckiest of all runners though must be Catcall, who finished second four consecutive times between 2013 and 2016.
It looks like this race needs a special ability. Which could favour Gold Vibe (Dream Ahead), second in this race last year and 4th lately in the Prix de Saint-Georges (Gr3), on the same trip but at ParisLongchamp. Yet the Pan Sutong Racing-owned horse hasn't won since the Summer of 2017.
Winner of the last Saint-Georges, three weeks ago, Sestilio Jet (French Fifteen) is out again with Dettori to support his claim. The Godolphin one, Inns of Court (Invincible Spirit), runs for the first time over a distance shorter than 6 furlongs. This Qatar Prix de la Forêt (Gr1) 2nd over 7f also won the Prix de Ris-Orangis (Gr3) over 6f. Interesting test here!
English raider Major Jumbo (Zebedee) usually runs close to the pace and he's got the form to claim this. His two races of the season were good enough!