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

The stage is set for an exciting day of racing at ParisLongchamp, complemented by domestic action from Ffos Las. The highly anticipated Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp features a thrilling showdown between the talented Green Spirit and Narissa. Green Spirit, trained by Christopher Head, made significant strides last season with four consecutive wins, including victories at Group 3 and Group 2 levels. Although she was beaten by Diamond Necklace in the Prix Marcel Boussac, she is expected to set the standard upon her return, ridden by Maxime Guyon. Narissa, who trailed Green Spirit on three occasions last year, including a third-place finish in the Group 1, will need to demonstrate improvement over the winter to close the gap. Both horses are currently 8/1 contenders for the French 1000 Guineas. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who has won the last two renewals of this race, also enters Anashkaya, partnered with Christophe Soumillon. Evolutionist, trained by Karl Burke, cannot be overlooked after an impressive third-place finish in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile. All attention will be 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 three wins and finishing with a notable second place behind Puerto Rico in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, which earns him favoritism here. The step up to a mile is likely to suit him. Meanwhile, 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. Elastic, with a recent Listed win at Saint-Cloud, has a fitness advantage over his competitors, while Campacite boasts top-level placed form for Jean-Claude Rouget. The Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Maiden Hurdle is highly competitive, featuring Doujadou and Into The Blue among 11 contestants. Doujadou, trained by Rebecca Curtis, who won this prize last season with Newton Tornado, has shown promise and is expected to improve with racing experience. Into The Blue, an intriguing newcomer from the Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville partnership, boasts an impressive pedigree and warrants market attention. Knead A Win, trained by Sam Thomas, is top-rated and has solid claims if fit after a break. 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. 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.