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Tuesday 7th August 2010, Auteuil (www.jourdegalop.com) “We expect big things from him in 2010” was what Hervé Barjot, manager to Pegasus Farms Ltd, said after the success of Cristal Bonus (Della Francesca) in the Prix Général de Saint-Didier (Gr3), at Enghien in 2009. Unseen on the racecourse since then Christophe Aubert’s charge made a winning return to racing on his first start at Auteuil in the €85,000 Prix Melanos Hurdle (L – 4yos -3600m). Held up for a long time at the back of the field, Cristal Bonus made up ground on the last bend and performed a faultless round of jumping. He took the lead between the last two hurdles and held off all attacks to win by three quarters of a length.
Awaited with much anticipation on his return, Cristal Bonus did not disappoint and deserves to be seen in top class company in the near future. Ridden patiently at the back of the field, Montpellier (Della Francesca) made a pleasing return to jumping when finishing third a length behind Lucky to Be (Poliglote), who proved that he has regained his previous form.
Bred by Jean-Pierre Dubois, Cristal Bonus was the first Group winner in France for his sire Della Francesca (Danzig) who stands at Haras de la Haie Neuve. Cristal Bonus is out of Cristal Springs (Loup Solitaire) who ran 9 times, only on the flat.
Orleanais – Rubi Ball as good as ever
Almost the entire Papot family were present at Auteuil for the return of their star Rubi Ball (AQPS-Network). Jacques Ortet’s charge behaved like the champion he is when winning the €46,000 Prix de l’Orléanais with great class by 6 lengths. “David Cottin rode him perfectly”, confided Xavier Papot, “without rushing him. This kind of race can be tricky but he ran very well.”
Rubi Ball was given a rest after his success in the Grand Prix de Pau (Gr3), as his connections didn’t want him to endure a busy programme in the spring of his 5 year old career. This break has been hugely beneficial to him and Rubi Ball appears to be better than ever. As per usual he took the lead but not by as wide a marge as normal. “He can sometimes be a bit keen,” commented David Cottin, “but only when the other horses bothered him, otherwise he was very calm. He is phenomenal.” The objective for this star will be over fences in the Prix La Haye Jousselin (Gr1) but it remains to be seen whether he will go there directly or take in another race beforehand. Voyourovitch (Revoque) took second place a length and a half ahead of Norville du Bois
(Villez).
Bred by Jean-Louis Berger, Rubi Ball is Hygie (Lute Antique), who never ran. Before Rubi Ball, she bred Quecy de Chadzeau (Network), winner of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Craon (L) in 2009. She also has a 2 year old and a yearling colt both by Robin des Champs, and a foal, who is the full brother to Rubi Ball.
Oteuil – Riri Mag successful
The €50,000 Prix Oteuil SF Chase (5&6yo AQPS – 4,300m) was won by the Marcel Rolland trained Riri Mag (SF - Vidéo Rock) in the hands of Alexis Acker. Rond de Cuir (SF - Saint des Saints) took second place a further length and a half behind with Rosignol Collonges (SF – Brier Creek) a further 3 lengths back in third place.
This is Riri Mag’s second win, both of which came over fences, from eleven starts. He finished second on his first two starts, both over hurdles, at the end of last year before falling on his first run over fences. He is out of Disconea, who won three times on the flat. Including Riri Mag, she has produced two other winners from eight offspring of racing age. She also has a three year old filly, Tapadchance (Shaanmer), a two year old filly, Une Sur Quatre (Special Kaldoun), and a yearling colt, Valeureux Mag (Special Kaldoun).
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