Race Preview: 16:05 Longchamp – Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Group 1), 1m, 3yo Fillies, Turf (Good to Soft)

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Pace/Draw Angles:
Historically, low to middle draws have held a slight edge over 1m at Longchamp when the ground rides on the softer side. There’s a mix of pace, with Godspeed, Zarigana, and Shes Perfect capable of going forward, while others like Exactly and Celestial Orbit may be ridden more patiently. Expect a genuine tempo, especially with several fillies trying the mile trip under pressure for the first time.




Contenders Ranked (Marks out of 10):

1. Zarigana (124 Timeform) – 8/10
Unbeaten over a mile and confirmed she stays well with a strong-staying win over C&D. Stablemate of Mandanaba, and Barzalona keeps the ride. Has track experience, is uncomplicated tactically, and comes here with a rock-solid profile. Clear Timeform top-rated.

2. Mandanaba (123) – 7.5/10
Unbeaten in two, including a listed win, and bred for this level. The jockey booking suggests she may be second string for Graffard, but that shouldn’t deter punters given her pedigree and profile. Could improve past her more fancied stablemate.

3. Better Together (120) – 7.5/10
Andre Fabre’s unbeaten improver with three wins from three, including the Prix Imprudence. Faces tougher opposition now, but her style and progression make her a key threat if she handles the ground. A strong French classic profile.

4. Exactly (123) – 7/10
Aidan O’Brien’s more experienced filly, and she ran creditably on reappearance in the Group 3 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown. Has the benefit of Ryan Moore in the saddle and could sneak into the frame if others falter.

5. Bedtime Story (122) – 6.5/10
Looked a star early in her 2yo season but form tailed off late in the year. Hood now applied. Market signals may guide—watch for support after a 217-day layoff. If back to her best, she’s a big player.

6. Shes Perfect (120) – 6.5/10
Narrowly beaten by Zarigana last time and now wears a tongue-tie. Improving and has experience over C&D, but needs to pull out a bit more. First-time tongue-tie is a note of interest.

7. Celestial Orbit (116) – 6.5/10
Progressive and shaped well behind a good winner on return. Jamie Spencer rides, and Ollie Sangster is one to watch with these types. Lightly raced, might outrun odds.

8. Daylight (119) – 6/10
High-class at two but didn’t convince with stamina on her 3yo return. May struggle in the final furlong if the pace is honest.

9. Godspeed (116) – 5.5/10
Ran well over C&D last time. Might be peaking at the right time but lacks the ratings edge and has already been exposed in weaker company.

10. Ghoufrann (116) – 5/10
Well held behind Better Together and Godspeed previously. Seems to lack the gears of others and would be a surprise winner.

11. Merrily (119) – 5/10
Needs to bounce back from a below-par reappearance. The price reflects her chance and looks an unlikely winner.

12. Heavens Gate (117) – 4.5/10
Very disappointing return. On old form she’d have claims, but must show she’s trained on. Stable form might not be enough to save her here.

13. Mimos (108) – 3/10
Well behind three of these last time and would be a shock winner.




Key Trends / Trainer Insights:

André Fabre has won this race four times since 2000 – Better Together represents him.

Aidan O’Brien has placed multiple runners in this race, but hasn’t won it since Homecoming Queen in 2012. He sends Exactly, Bedtime Story, Merrily, and Heavens Gate.

Timeform Top-Rated: Zarigana (124), just ahead of Exactly and Mandanaba.

Watch the market for: Bedtime Story, Heavens Gate (both off long breaks), and Celestial Orbit (unexposed type with a progressive profile).





Each-Way Angles (13 runners):

Celestial Orbit (14/1+) – lightly raced, potential improver.

Shes Perfect – close to Zarigana last time and might be underbet.

Exactly – exposed but consistent, and in top hands.





Summary Advice:
Zarigana sets the standard and deserves favouritism, but Mandanaba may still have more upside. Better Together and Exactly are reliable options, while Bedtime Story and Celestial Orbit appeal most from the bigger prices. Keep a close watch on the betting for those returning from breaks, especially anything from Ballydoyle or Sangster.

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