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

The stage is set for an intriguing day of racing at ParisLongchamp, complemented by domestic action from Ffos Las. The highly anticipated Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp is poised to showcase a thrilling encounter between the talented duo Green Spirit and Narissa. Green Spirit, trained by Christopher Head, made significant strides last season, winning her first four starts, including notable victories 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 benchmark on her return, ridden by 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 are at 8/1 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, following a superb third-place finish in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile, cannot be overlooked, especially under the guidance of trainer Karl Burke. 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 achieved victories in three of his five starts as a two-year-old, concluding the campaign with an impressive second-place finish behind Puerto Rico in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. This form warrants his status as the favorite, and the step up to a mile is anticipated to suit him. Regal Resolve poses the main threat, hailing from the dominant Francis-Henri Graffard yard, having won two of his three starts, including successes in lesser races on the all-weather at Chantilly, thus deserving a crack at this higher level. Elastic, with a recent Listed victory at Saint-Cloud, holds 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 promises to be competitive, featuring Doujadou and Into The Blue among its 11-strong field. Rebecca Curtis, who claimed this prize last season with Newton Tornado, now presents Doujadou, who 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, being related to Rajhani Express, and should be closely monitored in the market. Knead A Win, trained by Sam Thomas, is top-rated and holds solid claims if fit enough after his absence. The Group 3 Prix Noailles at ParisLongchamp has historically seen exceptional winners, including Calandagan in 2024. This year, Spece Waltz is highly fancied for Andre Fabre, while Joseph O'Brien's Hardy Warrior is of notable 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.