10 October 2020
Photo scoopdyga.com
Ten runners are declared for Sunday at Auteuil in the Prix Orcada 4yo Chase (Gr2), the final prep race to the Maurice Gillois 4yo Chase (Gr1), scheduled for November 8, four weeks later. No horse has won the two races since Kauto Stone in 2010. Is there a 4-year-old in the Prix Orcada this year that can ward off bad luck? There is, in any case, a big favourite, Le Berry (Gemix), unbeaten in four chases, including two at Auteuil, while the winner of the “Grand Steeple des 4ans” in the spring, the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) run at Compiègne, namely Gardons le Sourire, is out after two defeats this term.
The Gemini Stud demonstrative grey has several pounds to spare over his rivals if the ratings mean anything. Yet that did not scare off the challengers ...
- 1. LE BERRY (g4, FRA by Gemix and Kalberry, by Kaldounevees) Weight: 10-12 / Rating: 161lbs
Trained at Chantilly by David Cottin, he is undefeated in four chases and has just easily dominated the The Fellow - Marquise de Moratalla 4yo Chase (Gr3) in similar circumstances, beating Gratos de l'Isle and Polisud by ten and 25 lengths respectively ...
- 2. KING EDWARD (c4, FRA by Martaline and Kotkari, by Ballingarry) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 150lbs
Trained in Royan by Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, he is one of the best in his promotion as he won the Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr3) in March before failing in the Jean Stern 4yo Chase (Gr2) and falling in the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) at Compiègne. That's his first race since.
- 3. YEIAYEL (g4, FRA by Protektor and Citydanse, by Sagacity) Weight: 10-6 / Rating: 153lbs
Trained in Anjou by Jérôme Delaunay, he has finished first or second of his six outings to date, including his three last chases. Very resolute in the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) at Compiègne, he finished second only one length behind Gardons le Sourire that day, for his last appearance.
- 4. GRATOS DE L’ISLE (g4, FRA by Cokoriko and Quetsche de l'Isle, by Kadalko) Weight: 10-6 / Rating: 149lbs
Trained in Charente by François Nicolle, he won his first jump race for his fourth outing, which was also his second chase, last June at Auteuil. Fourth then behind Le Berry in the La Périchole 4yo Chase (Gr3), more than 21 lengths behind the winner, he finished second to the same rival, but at ten lengths, in the The Fellow - Marquise de Moratalla 4yo Chase (Gr3) lately.
- 5. POLISUD (g4, FRA by Lord du Sud and Polimère, by Poliglote) Weight: 10-6 / Rating: 138lbs
Trained in Charente by François Nicolle, he won his first chase in Compiègne in November 2019 then took several places at the best level, finishing also third in the The Fellow - Marquise de Moratalla 4yo Chase (Gr3) for his recent comeback after two months out.
- 6. LE LUDE (g4, FRA by Turgeon and La Turbale, by Ange Gabriel) Weight: 10-6 / Rating: 148lbs
Trained in Charente by François Nicolle, he won his first chase in May at Auteuil then failed in the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) at Compiègne. He fell too early for his comeback without to show anything.
- 7. AL CUARTO (g4, FRA by Nicaron and Vie ta Vie, by Villez) Weight: 10-6 / Rating: 141lbs
Trained in Royan by Guillaume Macaire, he has not won since success over hurdles in April 2019 but was placed at the top-level several times, especially over the bigger obstacles. There hasn't been any significant progress in his two outings this season.
- 8. GALLEO CONTI (g4, FRA by Poliglote and Gazelle Lulu, by Altayan) Weight: 10-6 / Rating: -
Trained in Royan by Guillaume Macaire, he has won the two chases he has raced to date, this summer at Clairefontaine and more recently over 2m2f at Auteuil in an AQPS 4yo Chase. It’s a new test against more accomplished foes.
- 9. MAURICIUS (g4, FRA by Kapgarde and Pafadas, by Martaline) Weight: 10-6 / Rating: 141lbs
Trained at La Teste by Jérôme Larrigade, he unseated his rider at the 2nd last recently when still in contention behind Le Berry. He must therefore still prove himself at this level.
- 10. GENERAL EN CHEF (g4, FRA by Martaline and Sortie de Secours, by Trempolino) Weight: 10-10 / Rating: 150lbs
Trained at Chantilly by David Cottin, supplemented to run here, he has just unseated his rider at the main open-ditch at Auteuil when still well in the race over a demanding going. He was undefeated in in three chases before and must therefore reassure before the next big meeting.