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Friday 14th May 2010, Auteuil. (www.jourdegalop.com) “Katkovana (Westerner) has a bright future ahead of her,” announced Jean-Paul Gallorini after his filly’s success in the €58,000 Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle (Unraced 3yo Fillies-3,000m). The winner was impressive physically and stood out from the rest in the parade ring before the race, seeming made for Auteuil. Once on the track, the sister of Kotkita (Subotica) did not disappoint her supporters. At the head of affairs on turning into the straight, Jean-Paul Gallorini’s charge was going easily between the last two hurdles but she had to work hard in order to resist the attack of her stable companion Titi Jolie (Blushing Flame), who was beaten into second by as neck. Afterwards the winning trainer explained, “The Count de Montesson said to me: “Take her for three days and tell me what you think.” After three days I told him that I’d keep her! I’ve said it before for Kotkijet (Cadoudal) and Kotkity (Anabaa Blue), their breeding operation is really excellent. As for Katkovana we well give her time to grow and strengthen up.”
Winner of six of the last ten Prix Wild Monarchs for males, Jean-Paul Gallorini, has now won five of the last nine of the fillies’ version, earning himself the nickname "Monsieur Wild Monarch".
Bred by Haras des Coudraies, Katkovana is the niece of Katko(Carmarthen) and Kotkijet who between them won five Grands Steeple-Chases de Paris (Gr1). Katkovana is also the sister of Kotkita, winner of the Cambacérès (Gr1) in 2001, third in the Prix Renaud du Vivier (Gr1) and second in the Prix Héros XII (Gr3). Kotkita is the dam of Kotkidy, winner of the Prix Wild Monarch (L) for males in 2009. The dam of Katkovana, Kakira (Cadoudal), was unraced.She produced a colt in 2008, Katkolys (Poliglote), and a yearling colt by Ballingarry (Sadler’s Wells).
Andrea – Pommerol back on top
Pommerol (AQPS – Subotica) is a very talented horse, but as with a lot of jumpers, he has had some leg problems that have interrupted his career. Back on the track this winter, it has taken him two races to really find his previous rhythm. The winner of the Prix Air Landais, he confirmed his return to form when winning the €56,000 Prix Andréa Chase (5yo+ - 4,100m). “I didn’t run him a number of times, most notably in the Président, as the ground wasn’t soft enough for him”, confided François Doumen. “The next step for him could be the Drags or a similar race, but I have not yet spoken to his owner.” Synaptique (AC – Saint des Saints) stayed on well to take second place from Tremp’d’Emeraude (Trempolino).
Pommerol was bred by the new President of the AQPS Association, Hervé d'Armaillé. The grand-dam of Pommerol, Vodka Tonique (Vidéo Rock), produced Gintonique (Royal Charter) a winner of the Prix Bango on the flat. Irish Coffee (Vidéo Rock), the dam of Pommerol, was talented on the flat (second in the Prix d'Estruval). She has also bred Rhumerie (Shaanmer), who looks promising over hurdles, and Soft Drink (Dark Moondancer), a winner on the flat.
Djarvis – Star Conti makes most of Surfing’s misfortune
Surfing (AQPS – Califet), the talented representative of Guy Cherel, made his chasing debut in the €50,000 Prix Djarvis Chase (AQPS–4yos–3,500m) but was unfortunately a faller early on in the race. In the end the easy winner of this race was Guillaume Macaire’s Star Conti (AQPS – Smadoun), who was having his first run over the fences of Auteuil, having won two chases at Fontainebleau.
“He did it very well”, confided David Cottin. “He is a very easy horse to ride, who never pulls no matter where you place him. He is better here than he was at Fontainebleau, he jumps better when you let him stride on. I won the Prix de l’Avenir, on the flat, with him and I know his class.” After that success, Star Conti finished second behind Lucky to Be, on his debut at Auteuil, over hurdles. This year, he has won two races reserves to AQPS horses and is therefore unbeaten from three starts over fences.
Star Conti was bred by Patrick Joubert. His dam, Dona Mirande (Pebble) has also bred Roméo Conti (AQPS – Goldneyev), who won the Prix Finot (L.) in 2008.
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