Green Spirit and Narissa Set for Thrilling Showdown in Prix de la Grotte

The stage is set for an exciting day of racing at ParisLongchamp, accompanied by domestic action from Ffos Las. A standout clash is on the horizon as the talented duo Green Spirit and Narissa face off in the prestigious Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp. 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 on Arc Day, she sets a high standard for her return under the guidance of 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 close the gap. Currently, both are priced at 8/1 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 a superb third-place finish in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile. All attention will be on Nighttime as he puts his Classic claims to the test in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau at 2:50 pm. Nighttime, trained by Christopher Head, secured wins in three of his five starts as a two-year-old and concluded the campaign with an excellent second place 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 expected 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 grade. 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 assembled for the Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Maiden Hurdle, featuring Doujadou and Into The Blue among 11 entries. Rebecca Curtis, who won this prize with Newton Tornado last season, presents Doujadou, who has shown promise and is expected to improve with racing experience. Into The Blue, a newcomer from the Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville partnership, boasts an intriguing pedigree, being related to Rajhani Express, and should be closely watched in the market. The Sam Thomas-trained Knead A Win is top-rated with a mark of 122 and holds solid claims if fit enough 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 at 4 pm, with James Doyle riding Map Of Stars 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 3:50 pm at Ffos Las.