18 June 2020
Photo Kenway : scoopdyga.com
Eight runners line up this year for the Prix Paul de Moussac Longines (Gr3), usually run on the Prix de Diane Longines (Gr1) undercard. Fifth in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas, Gr1) eighteen days earlier, Kenway (Galiway) is the best rated in the race, against colts and geldings from very different backgrounds: five of them won last time out, another one took a place in a French Guineas trial, and a last one was supplemented after a promising come back!
- 1. USAK (g3, FRA by Al Kazeem and Qatari Elegance, by Giant’s Causeway) Rating: 97lbs
Gelded in April at 2, out of a mare who made $270,000 at the Keeneland yearling sales but did not succeed in racing, Usak (Al Kazeem) started his career with an eight-length victory in February at Mont-de-Marsan and finished third 23 days later in a Class 2 race, five lengths behind the second-placed Oftenwork, whom he faces again here. Out three months, he won on his return in Toulouse over 1 mile in the Prix FBA - Aymeri de Mauléon (L) in a nice lot.
- 2. NATIONAL SERVICE (g3, FRA by Elusive City and Forces Sweetheart, by Allied Forces) Rating: -
Supplemented to run, this gelding won for his debut on the Chantilly all-weather, beating a horse who won since. Second at Saint-Cloud for his comeback on May 19, he led all the way and was beaten a head by King Pacha, whom he faces again here. More needed here but has to be considered.
- 3. CHARLESQUINT (c3, IRE by Showcasing and Commute, by Rail Link) Rating: 96lbs
Bought back for € 40,000 at the Deauville sales, from the family of champion fillies Bonash and Nebraska Tornado, he ran four times last year and placed second once and third (behind Pao Alto and Juliusjuliusson) without being able to win. After a comeback race, he won his handicap rated 86lbs by 3 lengths, which puts him in the frame here.
- 4. OFTENWORK (c3, FRA by Maxios and En Vitesse, by Peintre Célèbre) Rating: 91lbs
He won his second race over 10 furlongs in November at Toulouse, then was beaten early this season by two good horses, before winning again recently at La Teste, two lengths and half ahead of the future (and easy) winner of the La Sorellina (L).
- 5. KENWAY (c3, FRA by Galiway and Kendam, by Kendargent) Rating: 110lbs
Sold € 56,000 yearling at the Deauville sales, he is one of the most experienced runners in the lot since he has run nine times, including seven times at 2. Winner of the price of Jouvenceaux and Jouvencelles (L) in Vichy, then of Prix La Rochette (Gr3) at ParisLongchamp, he failed in the Prix Jean)-Luc Lagardère (Gr1). Fifth for his return in the Prix Omnium II (L), he finished well in fourth place, just a short head behind the favourite Victor Ludorum in the Prix de Fontainebleau (Gr3), and took an honourable fifth place in the French 2,000 Guineas.
- 6. KING PACHA (c3, IRE by Acclamation and Regina Mundi, by Montjeu) Rating: 96lbs
This brother to the good Rocques (Lawman), winner of the Prix d'Aumale (Gr3), was bought for € 150,000 at the Deauville sales. Shortly beaten for his debut in August, he finally won in October over 7 furlongs at ParisLongchamp. Sixth for his return in the Prix Omnium II (L), he has just won a tough duel with National Service, whom he finds again here.
- 7. NATURAL PATH (c3, IRE by Toronado and Panda Spirit, by Invincible Spirit) Rating: 95lbs
Bred by his owner, he started with a 7f victory at Moulins in August, confirmed by a second success by a neck over the same distance at Maisons-Laffitte. He was also victorious for his comeback this year at Clairefontaine. He does not win by far but he has a good attitude and is still unbeaten!
- 8. BRAVE SHIINA (g3, FRA by Bated Breath and Gospel Mind, by Nayef) Rating: 99lbs
Bought € 10,000 at the Deauville sales, he was gelded after his debut and ran five times last year without being able to win. On the other hand, he won his handicap for his comeback rated 84lbs, and took the third place in the Prix du Pont Neuf (L), less than a length behind Arapaho, fourth in the French 2,000 Guineas, and a short neck behind Mageva, third of the French 1,000 Guineas...