Green Spirit and Narissa Set to Collide in Prix de la Grotte

Racing fans are in for a treat with a promising day of action unfolding at ParisLongchamp, complemented by domestic racing from Ffos Las. The highly anticipated Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp is set to feature a thrilling showdown between the dynamic duo of Green Spirit and Narissa. Green Spirit, trained by Christopher Head, made significant strides last season with four consecutive victories, including Group 3 and Group 2 wins. Although she was outpaced by Diamond Necklace in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc Day, she is expected to set the standard upon her return, partnered with Maxime Guyon. Narissa, who trailed Green Spirit on three occasions last year, including a third-place finish in the aforementioned Group 1, will need to demonstrate significant improvement over the winter to bridge the gap. Currently, both horses are 8/1 contenders for the French 1000 Guineas. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who has claimed the last two renewals of this race, also enters Anashkaya, paired with Christophe Soumillon. Evolutionist, trained by Karl Burke, cannot be underestimated following a superb performance in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile. All attention will be focused on Nighttime as he puts his Classic aspirations to the test in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau. Trained by Christopher Head, Nighttime secured three wins out of five starts as a two-year-old and concluded the season with a notable second place behind Puerto Rico in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, earning him favoritism and a promising outlook for the step up to a mile. Regal Resolve poses the main threat from Francis-Henri Graffard's yard, having won two of his three starts, including victories on the all-weather at Chantilly, thus deserving an opportunity at this higher level. Elastic, with a recent Listed win at Saint-Cloud, holds a fitness advantage, while Campacite boasts top-level placed form for Jean-Claude Rouget. The Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Maiden Hurdle features a competitive lineup, including Doujadou and Into The Blue among 11 contenders. Doujadou, trained by Rebecca Curtis, who won this prize with Newton Tornado last season, has shown promise and is expected to improve with more racing experience. Into The Blue, a newcomer trained by Nicky Henderson and partnered with Nico de Boinville, boasts an intriguing pedigree, being related to Rajhani Express, and warrants market attention. Knead A Win, trained by Sam Thomas, is top-rated but faces fitness concerns after a break. ParisLongchamp's Group 3 Prix Noailles has a history of notable winners, including Calandagan in 2024, with Spece Waltz currently favored for Andre Fabre, while Joseph O'Brien's Hardy Warrior is of interest. Map Of Stars and Marquisat are anticipated to be popular among bettors for the Listed Prix Lord Seymour, with James Doyle riding the former for Wathnan Racing. On the domestic front, the progressive Manigod could be the one to beat in the open-looking Tommy Williams Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Ffos Las.