Prix la Barka Preview
2.45 Auteuil: Prix la Barka
Willie Mullins won this race last year last year with Un De Sceaux. This time he sends over Shaneshill and Open Eagle, along with the Nicky Henderson trained L’Ami Serge coming over from England to take on the French stars.
Of the raiders from this side of the channel, it is Shaneshill that appeals the most. The distance of 2m5f on very soft ground should pose no problems for Shaneshill, while it could be stretching L’Ami Serge’s stamina. While there is very little to separate these two on their ratings in the UK; L’Ami Serge has to concede 4lb to Shaneshill. In the UK, the bookies have L’Ami Serge as the second favourite at 9/2, with Shaneshill at 10/1, while in France on the PMU it is Shaneshill that is favoured at a current price of 16, L’Ami Serge is 22. The best advice is to keep an eye on the PMU in the run up to the race, both could go off at big prices if you fancy either.
The Guillaume Macaire trained Device is by far the best in terms of results in this race. He currently hovers around the 1.6 mark on the PMU, but is available at evens with the UK bookies. The only negative is that he hasn’t run for 55 day, but he did win first time up this year. While Device looks the most likely winner, this race is used as a trial for the French Champion Hurdle, so it is risky backing at such short odds.
One that could be worth chancing at big odds with the UK bookies is Bosseur, available at 33/1 with Paddy Power and Betfair. He was well beaten in this race last year, but he has run some good races in defeat behind Blue Dragon and Device in recent races. While it’s hard to see him beating the favourite if he’s at his best, he could place at 33/1.
Recommended Bets:
Shaneshill, 14+ on the PMU
Bosseur, 33/1 each-way with Paddy Power & Betfair
