Preview: Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte.
The big race this weekend is on Saturday at Chantilly with the running of the 2021 G2 Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte (1200m). Restricted to two-year olds only it can be a fascinating race. We look at this's renewal...
Gis A Sub
Two-year-old colt by Acclamation who has shown a good level of form in his four starts to date. Kept on well once headed to finish a one-and-a-quarter length second in the G2 Gimcrack Stakes (1200m) at York (UK) in August. The small field scenario should be no issue given he won a strong five runner conditions stakes at Pontefract (UK) and there is every chance he could be a potential pace angle. Kevin Ryan has already tasted French Group success this season and this colt requires plenty of respect.
Malavath
This thrice-raced daughter of Mehmas created a good impression when getting off the mark by two-lengths in a course and distance maiden. Although this step up to group company will require some improvement, it would be dangerous to dismiss the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained filly given she arrives with a very much unexposed profile.
Desert Dreamer
Stuart Williams enthusiastic Oasis Dream filly probably sets the standard given she has already placed three times at Group level. The form of her three-length third in the G2 Lowther Stakes (1200m) at York (UK) reads well. However, often free going this small field scenario may not suit and she will need a good pace to aim at in order to produce her best form.
Have A Good Day
The Florian Guyader-trained filly has been highly tried at Group One level since her half-length success in the G3 Prix de Cabourg (1200m) when beating the re-opposing Dizzy Bizu at Deauville in August. That said she has two-and-a-half lengths to find with Desert Dreamer on their running in the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes (1200m) at Newmarket (UK). The return to softer conditions should suit for this daughter of Adaay and she cannot be completely ruled out.
Dizzy Bizu
Runner-up at Group Three level on her last two starts Stephen Wattel's filly looked unlucky not to beat the re-opposing Have A Good Day in the G3 Prix de Cabourg (1200m). Short of room at a crucial stage and involved in some significant bumping the daughter of Caravaggio ran on strongly, finishing closest at the line. That was backed up when denied a neck in the G3 Prix d'Arenberg (1000m) at Longchamp. The step back up to 1200m looks in her favour and she would be dangerous to dismiss.
Best Flying
The Andreas Suborics-trained filly ran out a comfortable winner of a conditions race at Baden Baden (GER) prior to being narrowly denied by the unbeaten Topgear in the course and distance G3 Prix Eclipse (1200m). The daughter of Pedro The Great remains unexposed after just four career outings but probably does need to take another step forward to be involved.
