Not the biggest surprise as a few 'early-bird trainers' are looking for every angle to win decent prize money and £10,360.36 tempted three British trainers to the bog-like conditions of this racecourse situated near Paris.
The racecourse has a rich heritage dating back to 1901, built by politician and horse/owner-breeder Edmund Blanc (1856-1920). In French, it is familiarly called the Hippodrome de Saint-Cloud. It hosts a number of high-profile races including the Group One Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud held in late June or the first week of July. Readers may remember the Criterium de Sant-Cloud takes place in November.
Today's action saw three British raiders send two-year-olds to take part in the Prix le Marche (Claimer) over a four-and-a-half furlong, on heavy going.
See the full result 1:00 Saint-Cloud (FR)
Twelve two-year-olds competed in challenging conditions in a winning time of 56.37s (slow by 7.17s).
In a blanket finish, Throttle Control, trained by J-V Toux won by a short neck from The Nile Song who was a nose in front of favourite Wedding Proposal (41/10f).
The best of the British trio saw Jo Hughes' Panthera Tigris, ridden by Georgia Dobie (3lb claimer), who finished sixth, beaten just over four lengths. This daughter of Heeraat (not two until the 31st March) gained the following race comment:
''Chased leaders on inner, outpaced and driven halfway, kept on under hands and heels final furlong.''
Next best came George Bakers' Captain Tatman (58/10) who finished seventh, ridden by Theo Bachelot, who was just a quarter of a length behind Panthera Tigris. This bay gelding is a January foal, sired by Olympic Glory is out of an unraced mare. Race comments detailed:
''Midfield towards centre of track, outpaced and driven halfway, stayed on inside final furlong, never in contention.''
Mick Channon, who won the Brocklesby Stakes in 2018 with Izzer, fielded Gift Account (11/2) an April foal, sired by Captain Gerrard out of a poor mare who raced five times without being placed. Gift Account finished ninth, beaten over ten lengths. Race comments stated:
''Pressed leaders, driven and edged right 1 1/2f from home, weakened final furlong.''
Gift Account showed good pace until tiring in the closing stages.
It will be interesting to see if any of these early two-year-olds go for the 2019 Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster's Lincoln Meeting. It would seem an ideal opportunity making use of this vital racecourse experience.
If you want to know the best two-year-old racehorses in training, learn more by visiting Group Horse, experts in understanding the best horse from stables big and small.