The Saint-Cloud race day preview for 16 October 2025, where nine turf battles from 1,600 to 2,000 metres await across the elegant vales of the Val d’Or course. As autumn shadows lengthen over the Seine-side hills, these contests promise more than just numbers—each one a subtle duel of form, fitness, and timing.
Setting the Scene
The Hippodrome de Saint-Cloud, perch high above western Paris, offers one of France’s most beautiful yet tactically demanding flat circuits. The left-handed track, stretching over 2,300 metres, features a gently rising home straight that punishes those who move too early and rewards those who can sustain rhythm over the final 500 metres.
The Opening Mile Battles
The afternoon begins with the Prix des Landes, a divided handicap over 1,600 metres offers €50,900. Among the standout names are Narkez (Cristian Demuro / A. Fabre), Olympic Message (Aurélien Lemaître / N. Perret), and Harper (Ioritz Mendizabal / G. Mosse). Narkez, under Fabre’s careful handling, looks poised to balance class with weight, while Divine Chrisnat (Sylvain Ruis / Ch. Plisson) and Dapango (Mickael Barzalona / S. Smrczek) could capitalise if the pace softens.
Soon after, the Prix Barquette—another 1,600m, €27,400, conditional—presents a tactical puzzle. Zayida (Barzalona / F. Graffard) might press for control from the outset, while Jannet (Demuro / Fabre) brings pedigree and stable confidence. Ecija (Thomas Trullier / Clément & Hermans) and Palm Springs (Christophe Soumillon / Chr. Head) round out a balanced field capable of producing a blanket finish.
Mid-Card Momentum and Distance Tests
By mid-afternoon, attention turns to the Prix Pharel, a 1,600m, €27,400, conditional where Black Thunder (Tony Piccone / H.A. Pantall) and Mia Lot (Barzalona / F. Bresson) stand out as serious players. Noira (Pierre Bazire / N. Le Roch) and Wadi (Maxime Guyon / L. Fabre) both add intrigue, especially if the leaders cut out a fast early pace.
Then comes the Prix d’Hardricourt, the day’s 2,000m claimer ranging €18,200. Chanaz (Guyon / Pantall) should relish the trip, while Deep Sea (Théo Bachelot / F. Bellemère) looks a steady stayer. Cunning Fox (Augustin Madamet / M. Geisler) and Morsan (Hugo Boutin / C. Boutin) bring strong finishing power, making this a contest where patience will pay. Expect jockeys to wait for the final 400 metres before making their move down the demanding rise to the line.
Handicaps with Depth and Character
In the Prix des Falaises de Craie (2,000m divided handicap, €19,200), consistency may count most. Princess Lily (Marie Velon / M. Nigge), Quick Flash (Sylvain Ruis / Ch. Plisson), and Proxima Centauri (Christopher Grosbois / Ch. Plisson) all shape as contenders in a race rich with pace angles. With a well-timed ride, any of them could edge out the rest in a tight photo.
The following Prix Amonita returns to 1,600m for €25,600 a conditional encounter likely to test both speed and precision. Timador (Alexis Pouchin / A. Fabre) and Misunderstood (Christophe Soumillon / N. Le Roch) draw natural attention, while Square Carnot (Maxime Guyon / P. Schiergen) and Trust On (Cristian Demuro / Mme J. Soudan) may have more to give if they settle early. Expect a tactical finish and a sprint for the wire.
Evening Light and Closing Contests
As dusk nears, the Prix des Boucles de la Seine (2,000m, €21,100) promises an open handicap. Tokyo Dreamer (Marie Velon / H. Ghabri) looks balanced, with Foxey Lady (Léonard Plomée / J.M. Béguigné) and Septimus (Alexis Pouchin / M. Nigge) likely to challenge late. Pleasing (Augustin Madamet / X. Blanchet) could surprise from mid-division if tempo and timing align.
The second last race, the Prix de la Chalosse, draws a strong field for another 1,600m test offers €25,900. Nova Hope (Cristian Demuro / P & J. Brandt) and Prince of Clouds (Glen Meury / M. Delcher-Sánchez) look set to dominate the betting, but Harmony Grey (Tony Piccone / H.A. Pantall) could emerge if the pace collapses. True Values (Frida Valle Skar / Mme C. Barande Barbe) provides a solid each-way angle for those expecting attrition.
Finally, the Prix du Pays d’Orthe rounds off proceedings with yet another competitive mile with €21,100. Grand Aigle (Maxime Guyon / G. Mosse) and Le Corsaire (Maël Le Callonec / S. Maurer) appear the pair to beat, while Simancas (Léa Bails / N. Guilbert) and Laurent (Rosario Mangione / Mme Y. Vollmer) carry value at the margins.
Across this programme, France’s flat-racing pulse beats quietly but clearly—where every name on the card may yet find its moment.
For context on France’s provincial racing rhythm, explore RaceBuzz’s latest Lyon Parilly meeting review and the previous Saint-Cloud feature preview on our site.
