12 July 2020
Photo scoopdyga.com
A top 4yo hurdling contest at Auteuil, the Questarabad Hurdle Race (Gr3) has become since 2018 the last fight of the elite before the summer break on the Parisian obstacles. This year, despite the upheavals that have affected the calendar, it retains this role, yet with a one month delay compared to the usual routine.
Eight runners (down to seven after Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase-winner Gardons le Sourire was scratched) have been confirmed including the Compiègne Alain du Breil 4yo Hurdle Race (Gr1)-second James du Berlais (Muhtathir), who will not face any of his previous competitors.
- 1. SEDUCTION (f4, FRA by Evasive and Absent Minded, by Medicean) Rating: 150lbs
The only filly in the race, she finished fourth last year in the Haras d'Etreham Chambly 3yo Fillies Hurdle Race (Gr3). She won for her return at Fontainebleau, then took third place in the Arles 4yo Hurdle Race (L) and won easily, taking over in the run-in of the Christian de Tredern Fillies & Mares Hurdle Race (Gr3).
- 2. JE DEVIENS MOI (g4, FRA by Cokoriko and Une Seule Chose, by Muhtathir) Rating: 139lbs
Winner of two consecutive races at the end of last year at Fontainebleau, and for his chasing debut in March at Angers, he then fell at Compiègne and was again switched to hurdling when second to Born to Hold, whom he faces again here, in the Durtain Hurdle Race (L) at Dieppe. Favourite then with 11st in the Virelan Hurdle Race at Auteuil, he faded in the final phase and finished fifth after leading most of the way.
- 3. GALLEO CONTI (g4, FRA by Poliglote and Gazelle Lulu, by Altayan) Rating: 152lbs
This brother to champion chaser Silviniaco Conti is unbeaten in four races, including two hurdle races in the second half of 2019, notably at Auteuil when beating good jumpers. He has just won for his return over the flat.
- 4. FUREUR DE VIVRE (c4, FRA by Gemix and Martiniquaise, by Anabaa) Rating: -
He won three times flat last year and is undefeated in two hurdle races this year at Compiègne, the last time in a Listed race he won by eleven lengths, beating three horses.
- 5. GARDONS LE SOURIRE (g4, FRA by Fame and Glory and Place au Soleil, by Trempolino) Rating: 143lbs
(non runner)
- 6. BISCAYA STORM (g4, GB by Lope de Vega and Biscaya Bay, by Dansili) Rating: 132lbs
Third this winter in the André Massena 4yo Hurdle Race (L) at Cagnes-sur-Mer, he has since failed in a Listed event at Auteuil, then in a handicap with a 134lbs tag before taking a second place in a claimer.
- 7. JAMES DU BERLAIS (g4, FRA by Muhtathir and King’s Daughter, by King’s Theatre) Rating: 164lbs
He needed a few races to find his bearings, took second place in a Listed race at Auteuil, and won after that in the valuable Fifrelet 3yo Hurdle (L). Second for his return in 2020, he easily won a handicap afterwards and confirmed when second in the Alain du Breil 4yo Hurdle Race (Gr1).
- 8. BORN TO HOLD (c4, FRA by Born to Sea and Khizarya, by Peintre Célèbre) Rating: 143lbs
He reached a good level over the flat, rated 88lbs, and he is now unbeaten in three hurdle races at Fontainebleau, Toulouse, then at Dieppe in a Listed race when defeating Je Deviens Moi. He was declared a non-runner at Compiègne in the Alain du Breuil 4yo Hurdle Race (Gr1).