So, what did you make of Montmartre then? I've watched last night's Grand Prix de Paris four times now and while there's no doubting he wins impressively and he has a fine turn of foot, he also got the run of the race which probably exaggerated his winning margin.
All the others got in each other's way as the pacemakers weakened and the fancied horses had to go wide to avoid them whereas Christophe "I fancy myself" Soumillon had Montmartre in the perfect position to launch a winning run. Those who haven't already done so now have to take a view on the Arc for which Montmartre is the clear favourite. If you haven't played already there's got to be a temptation to back the favourite.
Racing blog regulars will know I have taken 7-1 each-way about Zarkava. She happens to be a stablemate of last night's winner and is also owned by the Aga Khan so you can understand why I would love to be a fly on the wall at the Aga's gaff when he sits down to discuss the matter with trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre. I still can't see Zarkava being out of the first three and for now I'm going to wait till after the Arc trials and a decision is taken on Soumillon's mount before I add Montmartre to my Arc portfolio.
From the sublime to ... well, today's action. If I was forced to have a bet today it would be a double on my youngsters in the nursery at 12.45 and the Year 5 race at 2.15 at Grasmere School Sports Day at Clissold Park in north London. I reckon they are nailed on. If I do better than my fifth two years ago in the dads' race I'll be chuffed.
As far as the horses are concerned, well, if I was forced to have a bet it would be the nap High Standing (8.10pm) at Great Leighs. He is in great form and should be ideally suited by going up to a mile. To be honest, though, I'm thinking about the Arc. The unbeaten Zarkava, new-kid-on-the-block Montmartre and, if fully recovered, the return of New Approach. Now that is a race to savour.
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