Yes, ‘The 184th edition of the legendary Qatar Prix du Jockey Club is a sporting challenge reserved for 3-year-old thoroughbreds in the unique setting of Chantilly.’
‘This a Group I event, the highest level of horse racing, was created in 1836 and is contested over a distance of 2100 meters, with a final uphill stretch of 600 meters at Chantilly Racecourse.’
And it’s the romance of Chantilly that has attracted the cream of Europe on Sunday, and its the Master of Beaupreau Henri-Alex Pantall. who has Fast Tracker as the $4.50 Ladbrokes co-favourite.
“Fast Tracker has improved a lot during the winter and he has now reached maturity,” said Alex Pantall, with James Doyle as the retained rider of Wathnan Racing, the horse’s new owner.
“James arrived on Monday and partner Fast Tracker on Tuesday on the all-weather track, with Fast Tracker displaying a good action in his finishing paces and James Doyle very enthusiastic.”
“Fast Tracker is a straight-forward ride, as he races handily, doesn’t pull and he’ll be able to adapt, but he exhibits just one flaw in his style as he takes time to pick up when the pace quickens.”
“Fast Tracker is pretty quick when it comes to leaving the gates, and so he has the ability therefore to take up a handy position, while ideally, we’d like to have two or three leaders in the race.”
“I have confidence in my colt and in the way he currently is, but you might think he’d prefer heavy ground but I won’t mind if the ground dries out even if it that isn’t expected to be the case.”
With Alex Partall training in the west of France at Beaupreau, the unbeaten Fast tracker is jumping from Gate 5 of 15 starters, is coming off victory Prix de Surenes of 2000m, being raced at two.
Formally raced and bred by Guy Herald, he was 28,000 Guineas 2022 Tattersalls December Yearling buy, sired by Churchill being the family of Zilzal, Fifty Stars, Awe Inspiring, Culture Vulture.
Irish legend Aiden O’Brien also has Diego Velazquez at $4.50, having been a credible length fourth in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, with Ryan Moore jumping from Gate 11 for owners Coolmore.
In winning the Jubilee Stakes at two, he was a 2.4m Gns. buy at the 2022 Tattersalls October Sale, and by the legendary Frankel is half-brother to the top-class Broome, the family of Zoffany.
“We were very pleased with Diego Velazquez’s reappearance effort in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains,” said Aiden O’Brien, “as he put in a good performance and this has always been the plan.”
“The Poule d’Essai was on a right-hand course, and with a view of heading to Chantilly for the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club where they also race right-handed, and everything has gone well.”
“We always thought Chantilly would suit him as the 2100 metre trip should suit as he has enough stamina, and this colt should even be capable of going a little longer in the future.”
“He also has the necessary cruising speed and is a straight forward ride, so a soft surface would not necessarily spell good news, but blessed with a good physique he moves beautifully.”
From Lambourne and waving the Union Jack is the Clive Cox trained Ghostwriter at $6 for Richard Kingscote in starting from 2, and having run fourth to Notable Speech in the 2000 Guineas.
Unbeaten at two for Jeffrey Smith, he was a 100,000 Gun buy at the 2021 Tattersalls December Foal Sale, being the family of Group 1 sires Zafonic and Zamindar, and sired by Invincible Spirit.
“He was entered in the Epsom Derby but we preferred to head to Chantilly as It’s one thing to step up from 1600m to 2100m, and another to do likewise from 1600m to the 2400m of Epsom.”
“We’re delighted to have chosen France as our option,” said Clive Cox, “and honesty softer ground at Chantilly on Sunday isn’t going to keep me awake, and the track may dry out on Saturday.”