17 May 2020
Photo Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase : scoopdyga.com
The Jean Stern 4yo Chase (Gr2) is traditionally the main stage of spring for the young chasers, who go on with the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) and in the Autumn with the Maurice Gillois 4yo Chase (Gr1), also known as the "Grand Steeple-Chase des 4 Ans".
They are seven this year to run for the succession of Goliath du Berlais, four weeks before their first classic deadline, reprogrammed this year on June 13.
1. Dream Wish (h4, FRA by Dream Well and Ladies Wish, by Turgeon) Rating: 150
Winner last year of the Congress 3yo Chase (Gr2), the top 3-year-old chasing championship, he was unable to keep his crown on his come back in the Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr3) won by King Edward in front of Al Cuarto. He was giving them 8lbs that day, and only 2 to 6 this time…
2. King Edward (m4, FRA by Martaline and Kotkari, by Ballingarry) Rating: 146
Fifth in the Congress 3yo Chase (Gr2) won by Dream Wish last year, he seized his chance for his return in the Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr3), which he won in a final blitz with better weight conditions than here…
3. Al Cuarto (c4, FRA by Nicaron and Vie Ta Vie, by Villez) Rating: 143
One of the first winners of the young generation over Auteuil hurdles last year, he went on chasing in the Autumn and finished twice second, including once in the Congress 3yo Chase (Gr2) won by Dream Wish, and again finished second for his return in Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr3), between King Edward and Dream Wish.
4. Mauricius (g4, FRA by Kapgarde and Pafadas, by Martaline) Rating: 146
Winner in September for his second chase ahead of Dream Wish and King Edward, he was then beaten twice and made a comeback over hurdles when finishing sixth at the end of February at Auteuil.
5. Gardons le Sourire (g4, FRA by Fame and Glory and Place au Soleil, by Trempolino) Rating: 140
He first won two of his three hurdle races, then won his first chase at Compiègne in October. Three weeks later, he tried his luck at Auteuil and he finished second to The Revenant.
6. Road Senam (g4, FRA by Saint des Saints and Madison Road, by Hernando) Rating: 146
He has never won yet but he is in the top four on each of his races, twice over hurdles and four times in steeplechases, where he notably took the third place in the Congress 3yo Chase (Gr2) less than a length behind Dream Wish and Al Cuarto, whom he finds here with better weight conditions. However, he was clearly beaten for his return when fourth place in the Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr3).
7. Autour de Minuit (g4, FRA by Saint des Saints and Miss Courteillaise, by Lavirco) Rating: 139
He ran five times over hurdles, taking a few placings before falling for his chasing debut. He went into the 2nd last in a good position but fell then. Yet he started his 2020 season with a good second place at Auteuil behind Falstaff.