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

The stage is set for a thrilling day of racing at ParisLongchamp, complemented by domestic action from Ffos Las. A highly anticipated matchup is on the horizon as the dynamic duo Green Spirit and Narissa are poised to clash in the prestigious Prix de la Grotte. Green Spirit, trained by Christopher Head, made significant strides last season, emerging victorious in her first four starts, including notable wins at Group 3 and Group 2 levels. Although she was outperformed by Diamond Necklace in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc Day, she is expected to set the standard upon her return, ridden by Maxime Guyon. Narissa, who has trailed Green Spirit on three occasions, 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 favorites for the French 1000 Guineas. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who has claimed the last two renewals of this race, also fields Anashkaya, partnered 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. The Christopher Head-trained colt had a successful two-year-old campaign, scoring in three of his five starts and concluding with an impressive second-place finish behind Puerto Rico in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. This form warrants his position as the favorite, and the step up to a mile is likely to suit him. Regal Resolve poses the main threat from the dominant Francis-Henri Graffard yard, having been supplemented for this race after winning two lesser races on the all-weather at Chantilly, earning him a chance at this higher level. Elastic, with a recent Listed win at Saint-Cloud, holds a fitness advantage over his competitors, while Campacite boasts top-level placed form for Jean-Claude Rouget. A competitive field is expected in the Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Maiden Hurdle, featuring Doujadou and Into The Blue among 11 entrants. Doujadou, trained by Rebecca Curtis, who won this prize last season with Newton Tornado, has shown promise and is expected to improve with more racing experience. Into The Blue, a newcomer from the Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville partnership, boasts an attractive pedigree, being related to Rajhani Express, and should be closely watched in the market. Knead A Win, trained by Sam Thomas, is top-rated with a mark of 122 and has solid claims if fit enough after a hiatus. The Group 3 Prix Noailles at ParisLongchamp has a history of stellar winners, including Calandagan in 2024, and this year, Spece Waltz is well-fancied for Andre Fabre, while Joseph O'Brien's Hardy Warrior is of interest from a home nations perspective. Map Of Stars and Marquisat are likely 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 an open-looking Tommy Williams Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Ffos Las.