Several of these are returning from long spells on the sidelines, including Pesk Ebrel and Opium. Farnice is probably having a confidence-booster but did win twice in Grade 3 company over fences last year so has the ability to win a race like this. ROCK THE RACE’s last victory came in a Listed handicap at Auteuil in 2016 but a fifth at Fontainebleau in March blew away a few cobwebs and he was third at Moulins 10 days ago. It will be a surprise if he’s not in the firing-line today under a competent 9lb claimer.
Rock The Race (FR) (10-10) 5th of 11, 7l behind Candide (10-10) at Fontainebleau 2m 3f hvy in Mar.
Pesk Ebrel (FR) (10-12) 4th of 8, 4 3/4l behind Mozo Guapo (10-12) at Auteuil 2m 2f lst sft in Sep.
Kobrouk (FR) 10-1 (11-12) Raced wide, mistake stumbled badly and lost place 1st, rallied on outside, chasing leaders after 4th, went 2nd 6th until went left 8th, lost place quickly and pulled up before next, at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Epi Sacre (FR) (11-4) 6th of 11, 24 1/4l behind Ebonite (10-10) at Auteuil 2m 6f hvy in Jun.
Dakota De Beaufai (FR) (10-10) at Compiegne 2m 3f hvy in Mar.
Opium (FR) (10-12) won at Auteuil 2m 1f hvy in May beating Cesare Di Roma (10-5) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Marlonne (FR) (11-7) 3rd of 5, dist behind Hell Boy (10-10) at Compiegne 2m 3f hvy in Mar.
Egyptia Des Bordes (FR) (9-13) 4th of 8, 9 1/4l behind Drole D'histoire (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 2f lst (1) sft in Aug.
Farnice (FR) (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 6f sft in Mar.
First Daum (FR) (11-4) 7th of 10, 30l behind Derby De Tendron (10-7) at Lyon-Parilly 2m 4f hcp sft in Nov.
Sterne (FR) (10-5) 4th of 9, 1 1/4l behind Fandjo (10-5) at Fontainebleau 2m sft in Apr.
