A calm autumn morning is set to unfold into an energetic Monday at Fontainebleau racecourse on 3 November, where eight compelling contests will light up the track. From promising debutants to established runners eyeing the season’s closing honors, this Fontainebleau race preview outlines the narratives shaping an engaging card.
Early Tests of Stamina – Prix des Pins Noirs (12h00, 2,200m, €21,000)
The curtain rises with the Prix des Pins Noirs, a 2,200-metre stamina test that often reveals middle-distance potential. Sakhaline, guided by Clement Lecoeuvre for L. Gadbin, heads a promising field that includes Askari (Jacky Nicoleau, G. Batistic) and Fornali (Hugo Journiac, V. Head). With Lantana from F.-H. Graffard’s stable and Joury for H.-F. Devin also lining up, this opener looks competitive, likely to set the tone for a day rich in tactical duels.
Sprinting Beginnings – Prix des Alisiers (12h35, 1200m, €18,200)
Speed takes the spotlight in the second race, the Prix des Alisiers, where several sharp juveniles aim to break through. A. Murphy dominates the entries with a trio — Pepier, Asenseofserenity, and Anesidora — all partnered with experienced hands like Aurélien Lemaître and Tony Piccone. Santa Luzia for M. Pitart and Landscape (Maxime Guyon, A. Botti) round out the sprint, promising a fierce dash to the line.
A Middle-Distance Mix – Prix des Bosquets (13h10, 2000m, €16,500)
A competitive handicap awaits in the Prix des Bosquets, where Douriann (Arthur Mosse) carries family pride for trainer G. Mosse. Opposition arrives from Zelman, the Allard-trained runner with Malone Favriaux aboard, and Always Welcome, under Delphine Santiago. Keep an eye on Any Moon, another V. Head representative with Maxime Guyon, who often finds his rhythm in Fontainebleau’s sweeping turns.
Class and Prestige – Prix Roland Fougedoire (13h55, 1200m, €50,900)
The feature event of the day, the Prix Roland Fougedoire, brings together seasoned sprinters for a rich €50,900 prize. Lesslepasser (Aurélien Lemaître) leads the entries for S. Lanslots, with strong rivals like Baileys Bachelor (Fabrice Veron, J.-V. Toux) and Territorywar (Maxime Guyon, M. Delcher Sanchez). The Guarnieri-trained pair Egiategia and Daiquiberry add further intrigue. This sprint promises a blend of class and power — a moment when Fontainebleau’s home straight becomes a test of nerve and precision.
Afternoon Momentum – Prix des Frênes (14h30, 1600m, €20,200)
The fifth race, Prix des Frênes, stretches over 1600m and brings together lightly raced prospects.
Baby Hartwood (Maxime Guyon) represents V. Dissaux’s yard and looks well-positioned, while Anamalay (Delphine Santiago, G. Rarick) could surprise with a well-timed finish. Hot and Beauty for D. Bonilla and Reux (Hugo Boutin) are also among those capable of mounting strong challenges.
Local Form and Talent – Prix du Centre d’Ecotourisme de Franchard (15h05, 1600m, €24,000)
One of the most balanced contests of the afternoon, the Prix du Centre d’Ecotourisme de Franchard, showcases emerging local form. Aquitaine (Thomas Blanchouin, S. Gavilan) looks reliable, while Purple Lion, under Marie Velon for Graffard, commands attention after consistent efforts. Four Four Four and Artistic Man could also feature if the pace unfolds in their favour.
Late Afternoon Sprint – Prix de Château-Landon (15h40, 1200m, €21,100)
A strong mix of pace and consistency defines the Prix de Château-Landon. Blue Dream (Fabrice Veron) brings the Gouvaze stable into contention, joined by Little Jumby (Maxime Guyon, F. Monfort) and Red in Sight (Tony Piccone, J.-V. Toux). Expect a blanket finish — Fontainebleau’s short run-in often demands every ounce of finishing kick.
The Finale – Prix Guy Thibault (16h15, 1200m, €25,900)
The day closes with the Prix Guy Thibault, another sharp sprint where form and freshness collide. Régalien (Delphine Santiago, C. Plisson) seeks to cap off a productive season, facing threats from Le Central and Eagle Gate, both Boutin trainees. Snow Ghost and Westi Chope bring outside chances in what promises a lively finale to the Fontainebleau race preview.
Across the day, Fontainebleau’s natural turf and twisting layout will test both jockey strategy and balance — particularly in the shorter contests. The presence of multiple runners from respected yards like V. Head, A. Murphy, and M. Boutin adds depth to the day’s narrative. Fans can expect tactical riding and potential breakthroughs from progressive stables in the buildup to winter racing.
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