Chris Baker: Three bets at Chantilly

I’ve picked out three bets on today’s ten-race card at Chantilly. Good luck if you decide to follow.

Chantilly Tips

11:01 – Prix Bertrand du Breuil Longines (Group 3 - 1m)

This Group 3 contest over a mile has attracted a high-class field featuring the likes of Group 2 winner Skalleti, who has won nine of his ten career starts, and the lightly-raced Plumatic – who is very strong when racing below Group 1 level. However, at the prices, I am taking an each-way chance on STUNNING SPIRIT, who should have a fitness advantage over the two market leaders. Since their last races, this ex-Freddie Head-trained six-year-old has run four times, with his two victories in that period including a Group 2 at Doha last time out. He has a fine record at Chantilly, with his four previous visits here producing form figures of 2321. The win came in Listed company and the other three efforts were all in today’s grade. If one or both of the well-fancied runners are not at their best, then this consistent performer can take advantage.

12:50 – Prix du Centre d’Entrainement (Handicap - 1m7f)

The most valuable handicap on the card, a Class 2 event over 1m7f, looks a good opportunity for the consistent KARLSTAD to record a third career success. He enjoyed an excellent 2019 campaign, recording impressive form figures of 142424 with all of those efforts coming in 16+ runner fields. He has a good ‘first up’ record and will have no problem with the ground or distance. Top jockey Maxime Guyon gets back on board.

At a much bigger price, I am also giving a chance to the oldest horse in the race – PACHADARGENT. This nine-year-old has won 18 times and been placed on another 14 occasions, including in a couple of races earlier this year. Although most of his wins have come over shorter trips, he won over today’s distance back in 2018 and wasn’t beaten by far on his only other attempt over it.

Recommendations

11:01 at Chantilly - STUNNING SPIRIT – 0.5 point each-way bet at 22/1.

12:50 at Chantilly - KARLSTAD – 0.5 point win bet at 6/1.

12:50 at Chantilly - PACHADARGENT – 0.5 point win bet at 25/1.