As twilight settles over the rolling turf of Croise-Laroche, racing fans are in for a full evening of competitive action on 17 October 2025. The meeting features eight races spanning distances from 1100m to 2500m, with a mix of handicaps, conditionals, and claimers. Every contest offers a showcase of jockey skill, trainer strategy, and equine talent.
Middle-Distance Handicaps Set the Stage
The opening race, Prix des Flandres, takes place at 15:45 over 1800m with a €16,300 purse. This divided handicap features a deep field. Good Too (Mr. Kevin Braye / T. De Vlaminck) carries consistent form, while Gran Habano (Aurelien Lemaitre / S. Kobayashi) offers a late surge. Polite (Mme Ambre Molins / G. Pannier) may surprise if pace falters, Treizieme Mois (Jerome Claudic / A.S.&D. Allard) has shown resilience in previous starts, and Simons King (Koen Clijmans / J. Goossens) adds European flair.
At 16:20, the Prix de Lannoy over 1800m (€14,400) brings another competitive handicap. Grand Macho (Enzo Corallo / C. Boutin) is primed to control the pace, while Samagace du Vivien (Jerome Claudic / A.S.&D. Allard) brings consistent finishing strength. Ivishak River (Koen Clijmans / J. Goossens) and Angel Dust (Augustin Madamet / Mme J. Hendriks) add tactical intrigue, and Pearl Harbour (Eddy Hardouin / P. Van de Weijer) rounds out a field capable of multiple finishing scenarios.
Sprint Battles Ignite the Afternoon
The Prix d’Hazebroucq at 16:55 over 1100m (€16,300) is the first sprint test. Michelangelo (Theo Bachelot / A. West) heads a group that includes Revanche (Mme Delphine Santiago / Ch. Plisson), Andartis (Arthur Vilchien / G. Braem), Permenton (Fabien Lefebvre / D. Oost), and Time Signature (Koen Clijmans / Mme N. Moons). Expect a furious early tempo with late accelerators looking to exploit any gaps.
Shortly after, the Prix de Leers at 17:30 (1100m, €14,400) offers another sprint showdown. Gentileschi (Koen Clijmans / Jh. Smith) could dominate if the draw is favorable. Fuchsia (Augustin Madamet / A. Schepens) and The Charm (Luca Carboni / F. Fievez) bring finishing speed, while Wild Moor (Mme Marie Velon / A. Botti) and Little Jumby (Aurelien Lemaitre / Fr. Monfort) round out a versatile, fast-paced field.
Conditional Races and Tactical Intrigue
The Prix d’Armentières (18:05, 1100m, €21,000) is a conditional event that tests tactical awareness. Scutari (Augustin Madamet / H.F. Devin) and Joue Chope (Aurelien Lemaitre / Chr. Head) are clear pace-setters, while Possi (Marvin Grandin / Mme V. Head) and Zero Stress (Mme Marie Velon / M. Guarnieri) provide calculated late runs. Flower Celebration (Jacky Nicoleau / H. Shimizu) adds depth, making the outcome highly contingent on tempo and split-second jockey decisions.
At 18:40, the Prix Hector Franchomme over 1800m (€14,600) mixes endurance with strategic pacing. Rue Helene (Emilien Puillet-Roda / C. Weber) and Double Up (Theo Bachelot / S. Wattel) may assert early control, with Askari (Jacky Nicoleau / G. Batistic), Nesthorn (Luca Carboni / F.H. Graffard), and Rue Ernestine (Augustin Madamet / L. Gadbin) prepared to challenge in the final furlongs.
Long-Distance Battles Close the Evening
The Prix de Croix (19:15, 2500m, €11,500) is a claimer that favors stayers. Konigin Markia (Marvin Grandin / H. Grewe) could dominate on stamina alone, while Sestini (Augustin Madamet / M. Brasme) and Golden Blush (Theo Bachelot / S. Wattel) will aim for strong finishing positions. Dschingis Noblesse (Fabien Lefebvre / S. Gouvaze) and Lady Danbury (Mme Manon Sardin / J. Da Silva) add tactical intrigue, with late moves likely to decide the race.
Finally, the Prix Paul-Noël Delahoutre (19:50, 2500m, €17,400) features conditional qualifiers. Incremental (Mr. Florent Guy / N. Caullery) leads the line, closely matched by Spinello (Mr. Luis Urbano Aguero / M. Baratti). Haviassor (Mr. Jean-Daniel Manceau / P. De Chevigny), Mykiss (Mr. Thomas Guineheux / G. Batistic), and Zoom Chop (Mr. Kevin Braye / T. Speicher) complete a field where timing and endurance will be decisive.
With every contender represented and multiple styles of racing on display, the Croise-Laroche Race Preview 17 October 2025 promises tactical battles, sprint showdowns, and staying tests under the fading light — an autumn meeting not to be missed.
For more insights stay connected with Racebuzz.
