Marie-Francoise & Caroline’s Sunday Selections for 29th June 2025

Caroline’s Sunday Selections from Saint-Cloud & The Curragh

Saint-Cloud

Prix Eugene Adam (Group 2) 1.55
Scorthy Champ (nb)
This is very, very interesting, the Prix Eugene Adam. There is the English raider, George Scott’s Bay City Roller, who was not beaten at two, and has already finished second in a Listed race this year, and Joseph O’Brien’s Scorthy Champ, who has already been in the British & Irish 2,000 Guineas this season. I think that this is the interesting experiment, to put Scorthy Champ over this trip of the 10 furlongs, as especially in the Irish Classic, he was making the late run to finish sixth. Maybe it is that he needs the extra 2 furlongs, non? But Francis-Henri Graffard has been doing so well in the Pattern races this season, that we must consider Parachutiste and the not beaten Daryz. In my last decision, I will say that Scorthy Champ is not so tried on this soft ground, but is from the highest level, and Daryz is proven at this trip and on the soft going, so it is a puzzle. With Christophe Soumillon on Scorthy Champ, I think makes him in my favour, with Daryz maybe the one to make him race.

Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Group 1) 4.30
Calandagan (nap)
I will not miss this race for the world, and I will be backing Calandagan with all my heart. All of these five are very much at a peak of their career, but I think that Calandagan is the one that is ticking my boxes, and Francis-Henri Graffard’s star went so close to the Coronation Cup at Epsom, he showed to me that all the talent is still there. But, Christophe Ferland’s Aventure is also a very, very good filly, who was just second in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last October, and has won all of her both starts this year. And then, Calandagan’s stablemate, Goliath, has won the La Coupe three weeks ago, so is on form also. Iresine, for me, can also be involved, and Junko went so very close in the Grand Prix de Chantilly the last time. In a very, very wonderful race, I will have to follow my heart and say Calandagan, with Aventure in the second place.

The Curragh

Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes (Listed) 2.25
My Mate Alfie
I’m thinking that My Mate Alfie is the one to follow for this Dash Stakes. I know he’s got top weight, but he is so very consistent for Ger Lyons that he won’t be far away, and whatever the weather brings, My Mate Alfie will still run his race. Will McCreery’s filly Vespertilio could be dangerous in this grade, while Big Gossey can always put in a big effort in this sort of contest. That is my three, and from Stall 7 and Colin Keane in the saddle, my money’s on My Mate Alfie.

Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes (Listed) 2.55
Currawood
I’ll have to be honest with you, picking the winner of this is as clear as mud on a foggy day in Connemara! But, I suppose on balance, Paddy Twomey’s Currawood looks as good a bet as any. So he does! At least he’s got a decent draw in Stall 2, and Billy Lee is in the chair, but my worry is it just seems that Currawood keeps finding one too good too often. However, Paddy Twomey’s in form, and I’ve got to stick the pin on the pony’s tail somewhere, so Currawood it is!

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1) 4.10
Lazy Griff
Well, it’s all about the race tactics here, the weather and whatever else can make this Classic such a defining race. Now, I’m going to get pilloried for saying this – “hauled over the coals and hung out like yesterday’s socks!” as they say- but I’m backing Lazy Griff to go one better than at Epsom and take an Irish Classic back to England! There, said it! But, that’s my gut feeling for Charlie Johnston’s marvellous runner-up from Epsom, and although there’s likely to be some race tactics coming into play by the Ballydoyle runners, Lazy Griff is going to run them close, so as an each-way angle at a big price, I’m happy on that. So, I do think Lambourn has a great chance, specially if the race pans out for him with a fast pace on, and I’m of the thinking that Aidan O’Brien has enough lining up that stable tactics could be a plan, to give the favourite every chance. However, Lazy Griff now has William Buick booked, and if Jessica Harrington’s Green Impact is still involved at the 2 furlong pole, they’re my three.