Chantilly Preview - 13/05/20

Fabrice Chappet looks to have another nice prospect in the shape of Celestin, who has rattled off back to back impressive victories since his pleasing racecourse debut.

This son of Dabirsim sets a rock solid standard on RPR’s and it would take some serious improvement from a rival to stop him.

Handles conditions, Group entrant.

The second race of the day at Chantilly is a competitive event with a couple of horses stepping down in grade, notably Bionic Woman who finished just under 5l behind Jessica Harrington’s Albigna at Longchamp in October.

This means there is a fair standard to aim at, however Rouget’s filly Simeen looks highly progressive and could hold her own at the top later in the season.

She is two from two so far, winning decisively in both contests and the master Soumillon has been booked.

Andre Fabre’s 3-y-o filly is an impeccably-bred individual.

By Kingman, out of an Irish Dansili filly, she showed an exciting turn of foot on debut, finishing second despite veering all the way across the track.

If she has learnt from that experience she could prove tough to beat here.

The Group 3 Prix Texanita is the feature race on the card and with 13 going to post it looks a tricky betting event.

At the prices, Christophe Ferland’s Mutual looks interesting.

This son of Lope De Vega is two from three so far in his career and the manner in which he finished his most recent victory suggests he may be pattern-class.

He handles conditions and the yard have already been amongst the winners.

Viscount Barfield was once an 105 rated Group performer for Andrew Balding and he could be classy enough to win this off top weight.

He would prefer the ground to dry-out, though he does have form on a softer-surface and has the measure of these on a going day.

There are five places on offer in this 4yo+ handicap and it is Maxime Guyon’s ride which takes our fancy.

We believe the tactics of this race may fall perfect for this Bated Breath colt.

The market favourite Shams Brazilero likes to set a decent pace and Vautrin is a hold-up performer who likes to rattle home late in the race.

If they go a good clip in these soft conditions he will be charging home at the finish.

Lightoller looks a nice e/w proposition in the final race of the card.

Formerly trained by Mick Channon in the UK, this gelding has slipped down to a career low mark and we feel he is primed to take advantage of this with Guyon in the saddle.

He has a fair draw and is versatile ground wise.