Sexy Metro Can Stop the English Raiders in the Prix Robert Papin
1.35 Maisons-Laffitte
There may be only 5 runners in this year’s Prix Robert Papin, but it certainly looks a quality field with the Queen Mary winner Signora Cabello and the Norfolf Stakes runner-up Pocket Dynamo in opposition from England. While the Anglo-Irish juvenile sprinters usually hold the upper-hand in these races at this time of year, the home team looks very good with Sexy Metro and Simply Striking looking more than good enough.
Both Sexy Metro and Simply Striking are undefeated in two runs a piece but Sexy Metro may just be the better horse given the ease and manner he has won his two races. He is a strong travelling horse that has found plenty more when asked to win his races. Both Sexy Metro and Pocket Dynamo both have collateral form against a horse called Show Must Go On, who they both beat in to second in their respective races. While the runner-up missed the break against Pocket Dynamo in the Prix du Cherche Midi at Longchamp, he just held on for a head win while Sexy Metro won eased down against that same opponent by a little over a length; at 5/2 with the English bookies Sexy Metro is the bet to keep the prize at home with the French.
Recommended bet
Sexy Metro, 5/2
3.20 Maisons-Laffitte
Both Jimmy Two Times and Taareef have been running well below form this season but I’m tempted to side with Jimmy Two Times who has probably shown the better form in defeat. This step back up to a mile could be the better trip having raced at 7 furlongs in recent races; at 5/2 with the UK bookies he looks the bet of the horses at the head of the market.
The Japanese raider Geniale is interesting, although on form he doesn’t look good enough, but on breeding alone he really jumps out, out of Sarafina and by Deep Impact. He may get totally outclassed today but 16/1 is a tempting price in this tricky 5-runner race with many question marks around the market leaders; he could surprise at big odds.
Recommended bets
Geniale, 16/1
Jimmy Two Times, 5/2
