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

The stage is set for an exciting day of racing at ParisLongchamp, accompanied by domestic events at Ffos Las. The highly anticipated clash between Green Spirit and Narissa is set to take place in the Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp. Trained by Christopher Head, Green Spirit made significant strides last season, winning her first four starts, including Group 3 and Group 2 victories. Although she was beaten by Diamond Necklace in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc Day, she sets a high standard on her return, partnered with Maxime Guyon. Narissa trailed behind Green Spirit on three occasions last year, including a third-place finish in the aforementioned Group 1. To bridge the gap, she will need to have improved over the winter. Currently, both horses are 8/1 for the French 1000 Guineas. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who has won the last two renewals of this race, also fields Anashkaya, ridden by Christophe Soumillon. Evolutionist, trained by Karl Burke, cannot be overlooked after a superb performance in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile. All attention will be focused on Nighttime as he puts his Classic aspirations on the line in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau at 2:50 pm. The Christopher Head-trained colt achieved victories in three of his five starts as a two-year-old, concluding the season with an impressive second-place finish behind Puerto Rico in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. This form makes him a favorite to win, and the step up to a mile is likely to suit him. Regal Resolve, from the Francis-Henri Graffard yard, poses a significant threat. Having been supplemented for this race, he boasts a two-from-three record after winning a pair of lesser races on the all-weather at Chantilly, earning him a chance at this higher level. Elastic secured a Listed victory at Saint-Cloud last month, giving him a fitness advantage over his competitors, while Campacite has top-level placed form for Jean-Claude Rouget. The Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Maiden Hurdle features a competitive field of 11, including Doujadou and Into The Blue. Rebecca Curtis won this prize last season with Newton Tornado, and Doujadou has shown promise, warranting respect. As a point winner, he has placed in both starts over hurdles and is expected to improve with experience. Into The Blue, a newcomer trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville, 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 with a mark of 122 and has solid claims if fit enough after a break. The Group 3 Prix Noailles at ParisLongchamp has seen notable winners in the past, including Calandagan in 2024. 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 at 4 pm, 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 3:50 pm at Ffos Las.