It’s easy to see why most of these have ended up in a claimer. The defection of Royal Navy Warship has muddied the waters a little as BOWLER HAT was only sixth behind that one at Fontainebleau in February. Florent Bayle’s mount won at Cagnes-Sur-Mer earlier, however, and has an excellent chance of a second victory of the year in a race like this. Soldier's Queen is likely to be thereabouts again and last year’s Clairefontaine winner Comeken also warrants a mention.
Soldier's Queen (FR) (10-11) 3rd of 16, 7l behind Arlequin D'Allier (11-4) at Pau 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
Decret (FR) (11-9) 8th of 10, dist behind Espoir Du Grillon (11-4) at Pau 2m 7f hvy in Jan.
Fou Du Seuil (FR) (10-7) 5th of 9, 16 1/4l behind Fortuitous (11-2) at Fontainebleau 2m 2f hvy in Mar.
Blinis (FR) (11-0) 4th of 14, 2 3/4l behind Lamigo (11-0) at Auteuil 2m 6f hvy in Oct.
Vif Ardent (FR) (10-1) 8th of 15, 12 1/4l behind Vic Royal (10-1) at Auteuil 2m 6f hcp lst (1) hvy in Sep.
Bowler Hat (11-4) 6th of 13, 6 3/4l behind Royal Navy Warship (10-7) at Fontainebleau 2m 3f hvy in Feb.
Frisco (FR) (10-6) at Compiegne 2m 3f hcp hvy in Mar.
Sagafor (FR) (10-12) at Angers 2m 3f gs in Feb.
Fameck (FR) (11-9) at Auteuil 2m 6f sft in Nov.
Jani Perse (FR) (9-10) at Compiegne 2m 3f hcp hvy in Mar.
Alpagueur (FR) (11-0) 8th of 11, 28 3/4l behind Chez Pedro (11-2) at Fontainebleau 2m 6f hcp hvy in Nov.
Comeken (FR) (10-10) 5th of 12, 16 1/2l behind Banonito (10-10) at Cagnes-sur-Mer 2m 4f sft in Dec.
Scawork (FR) (11-0) at Nantes 2m 3f hvy in Nov.
Whistle Up A Storm (FR) (10-5) at Compiegne 2m 3f hvy in Mar.
Fee Du Bosc (FR) (10-3) at Strasbourg 2m 3f gs in May.
Royal Navy Warship (USA) (10-12) at Auteuil 2m 2f hcp hvy in May.