A small but competitive seven-race programme takes place at Clairefontaine on Monday. All races will be over the jumps. Trainer Francois Nicolle has some nice horses racing today and is the conditioner to follow. Below are the four best bets on the day:
Race 1 – Number 6 LA BONDUE
Trainer: E Leenders – Jockey: R Bonnet
The four-year old filly produced a decent comeback run when finishing third over 3500m at Dieppe last time. She is lightly raced having had five starts and is yet to finish out of the first four placings. She should strip a much fitter horse this afternoon and in this type of field, should take a power of beating.
Race 2 – Number 3 LADY DE ROCHE
Trainer: F Nicolle – Jockey: P Moreau (2kg)
The six-year old has had two very good runs since the return of racing having finished third once and winning her last start. She won her only outing on this course and has won once and finished second once from as many attempts over this distance. She is having her peak run this afternoon and should be the one they all have to beat. She gets the services of a 2kg claiming apprentice which will help her cause.
Race 3 – Number 6 L’AUBONNIERE
Trainer: F Nicolle – Jockey: T Lemagnen
The daughter of Doctor Dino produced a promising debut effort when finishing fourth over 3000m in a big field. She would have have gained from the experience and with the natural improvement that is expected, she should find herself in the winner’s enclosure. Tristan Lemagnen retains the ride and he will have a better idea of how to get the best out of her.
Race 5 – Number 1 HIGH BALL
Trainer: F Nicolle – Jockey: A Zuliani
She was ultra-impressive when winning her last start over 3500m at Toulouse. Her record in the last twelve months is good having won once, finishing second twice and third once from five starts. The daughter of Doctor Dino looks to be a class above the rest of the field and she should be the one they all have to beat.
