7 November 2020
Photo Le Berry : scoopdyga.com
Seven runners are confirmed in the Maurice Gillois 4yo Chase (Gr1), the generation’s Grand steeplechase run on Sunday at Auteuil. There’s an excellent reason why this field’s small size: the favourite Le Berry (Gemix), still undefeated over the bigger obstacles, is really something out of the ordinary!
The grey representative of Gemini Stud, whose colours were also worn by his sire at the highest level over Auteuil’s hurdles, won his five chases to date, including two this season in the last prep races for this championship.
However, this kind of showpiece is never a formality. Gardons le Sourire (Fame and Glory), for example, won the Jean Stern 4yo Chase (Gr2) and then the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) in the spring. He has never met Le Berry. Galleo Conti (Poliglote), who has not raced much and has just been well beaten by the favourite lately, is undoubtedly capable of improving. Besides, he is trained by the record holder for victories in the race, Guillaume Macaire (8 wins, as indicated in the history of this Grand Prix created in 1941). Each of Le Berry’s foe has been prepared to cause a stir.
No, as always at Auteuil, it is not a foregone conclusion!
- 1. KING EDWARD (c4, FRA by Martaline and Kotkari, by Ballingarry) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 148lbs
Trained at Royan-La Palmyre by Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, he is the only entire colt in the race. Winner of the Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr3) after a fine sprint in the spring, fallen in the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1), he has just made a very honourable comeback taking the 4th place in the Orcada 4yo Chase (Gr3) behind Le Berry, Galleo Conti and General en Chef, but may have improved a lot.
- 2. MAGRUDY (g4, FRA by Doctor Dino and Affaire de Mœurs, by Kaldounevees) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 150lbs
Trained in Charente by François Nicolle, he finished second to Le Berry for his only attempt at Group level, in July, then went on to win over hurdles at Compiègne before this new challenge at the top.
- 3. RESPLENDOR (g4, FRA by Orpen and Red Smart, by Smart Strike) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: -
Trained at Chantilly by David Cottin, he won his last two chases but at a lower level, including a last, easy one, at Compiègne. A year ago, he was doing well against some of the favourites in this race over hurdles at Auteuil.
- 4. GALLEO CONTI (g4, FRA by Poliglote and gazelle Lulu, by Altayan) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 152lbs
Trained at Royan-La Palmyre by Guillaume Macaire, he was part of the best in his promotion over hurdles at Auteuil, then won his first two chases this summer before taking an encouraging second place behind Le Berry …
- 5. LE BERRY (g4, FRA by Gemix and Kalberry, by Kaldounevees) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 168lbs
Trained at Chantilly by David Cottin, he is unbeaten in five chases, once beating ahead of several of his rivals by a wide margin. A typical front-runner, he will be the horse to beat.
- 6. GARDONS LE SOURIRE (g4, FRA by Fame and Glory and Place au Soleil, by Trempolino) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 157lbs
Trained in Maine-et-Loire by Gabriel Leenders, he won the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) this Summer at Compiègne. Second for his comeback, over hurdles, then fifth, still over hurdles, he is back chasing to face his best rival to date for the first time.
- 7. GENERAL EN CHEF (g4, FRA by Martaline and Emergency Exit, by Trempolino) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 150lbs
Trained at Chantilly by David Cottin, like Le Berry and Resplendor, he won his first three chases this year, including a third at Auteuil, he unseated his rider at the main open-ditch then. Still, he did not run badly recently to finish third in the Orcada 4yo Chase won by Le Berry …