FRENCH GUINEAS LIKELY TARGET FOR PROPORTIONAL
Article taken from the Racing Post by Desmond Stoneham
Early indications from France suggest Proportional (BEAT HOLLOW) 7-1 second favourite for the Stan James 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, is more likely to stay at home for the French version.
According to Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, no final decision will be made until the filly has reappeared in the Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp on April 12.
However, trainer Criquette Head-Maarek appears to be favouring the domestic route for the daughter of BEAT HOLLOW, easy winner of the Prix Marcel Boussac on her last of three starts as a two-year-old.
"The filly looks well and she will initially be aimed at the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp in May," said Head-Maarek, who has a fine record in the Newmarket Classic courtesy of wins by Ma Biche (1983), Ravinella (1988) and Hatoof (1992).
"She's been fine but we haven't really started with her yet as we can't even canter at Chantilly for the moment because of the snow and rain," added the trainer.
Head-Maarek has always held Proportional (BEAT HOLLOW) in high esteem and was surprised when she was beaten on her debut at Deauville before losing her maiden tag at Chantilly.
She then won the Marcel Boussac by a wider margin than Zarkava in 2007, making mincemeat of 15 rivals to score by three lengths over previously unbeaten Elusive Wave.
That performance means she was a best-priced 7-1 for the 1,000 Guineas behind favourite Rainbow View, a best-priced 5-2 but only 7-4 with Ladbrokes, William Hill and Totesport.
Head-Maarek is also looking forward to campaigning Ladbrokes Sprint Cup winner African Rose (OBSERVATORY) in 2009.
"She's also done well and has put on a lot of weight during the winter," said Head-Maarek. "I don't really know where she'll start, but there are a lot of top sprints round Europe all season."
Date:
09 February 2009