Racing Apr 19, 2026

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Green Spirit and Narissa clash in Prix de la Grotte

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Green Spirit and Narissa clash in Prix de la Grotte

We’re all set for a potentially informative day of racing at ParisLongchamp alongside domestic action from Ffos Las.

Exciting duo Green Spirit and Narissa clash in a stellar renewal of the Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp.

Christopher Head saddles Green Spirit, who made huge strides last season when winning her first four starts - including at Group 3 and Group 2 level. She was not disgraced when beaten by Diamond Necklace in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc Day and sets the standard on reappearance under Maxime Guyon.

Narissa chased home Green Spirit on three occasions last year, including when third in the aforementioned Group 1. She will need to have progressed over the winter if she is to close the gap, but the pair are currently 8/1 for the French 1000 Guineas. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has landed the last two renewals of this race and also fields Anashkaya, who is partnered with Christophe Soumillon.

Evolutionist ran a superb race when third in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile and cannot be dismissed for trainer Karl Burke.

All eyes will be on Nighttime as he puts his Classic claims on the line in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau at 2.50pm.

The Christopher Head-trained colt scored on three of his five starts as a two-year-old and finished the campaign with an excellent second behind Puerto Rico in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. That form entitles him to start favourite here and this step up to a mile is likely to suit.

Regal Resolve is the main danger for the all-conquering Francis-Henri Graffard yard. Supplemented for this race, he is two from three after winning a pair of lesser races on the all-weather at Chantilly and he deserves a crack at this better grade.

Elastic claimed a Listed contest at Saint-Cloud last month so has the fitness edge over his rivals, while Campacite is another with top-level placed form for Jean-Claude Rouget.

A competitive edition of this Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Maiden Hurdle sees Doujadou and Into The Blue feature among a field of 11.

Rebecca Curtis took this prize with the useful Newton Tornado last season and Doujadou has shown enough so far to warrant respect in here. A point winner, he has filled the places in both starts over hurdles and is expected to improve with racing.

Into The Blue is an interesting newcomer for the Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville combination. This son of Blue Bresil has a taking pedigree, being related to Rajhani Express, and must be monitored in the market.

The Sam Thomas-trained Knead A Win is top-rated on a mark of 122 and he has solid claims if fit enough after an absence.

ParisLongchamp's 3.25pm Group 3 Prix Noailles has seen some stellar winners over the years, including the incredible Calandagan in 2024. This year, Spece Waltz is well-fancied for Andre Fabre whilst Joseph O'Brien's raider Hardy Warrior is of interest from a home nations perspective.

Map Of Stars and Marquisat are sure to be popular with bettors for the Listed Prix Lord Seymour at 4pm, with James Doyle taking the ride on the former for Wathnan Racing.

On home soil, the progressive Manigod could be the one to beat in an open-looking Tommy Williams Memorial Handicap Hurdle (3.50pm) at Ffos Las.

Tags:

racing news

Share this article

Related Posts

Grand National: History-maker Rachael Blackmore to be inducted as Legend and Aintree bar named in her honour

Grand National: History-maker Rachael Blackmore to be inducted as Legend and Aintree bar named in her honour

Rachael Blackmore, who made history when becoming the first female jockey to ride the winner of the Randox Grand National, will be inducted as a Grand...

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Green Spirit and Narissa clash in Prix de la Grotte

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Green Spirit and Narissa clash in Prix de la Grotte

We’re all set for a potentially informative day of racing at ParisLongchamp alongside domestic action from Ffos Las.Exciting duo Green Spirit and Nari...

2000 Guineas: Albert Einstein and Gstaad taken out of Newmarket Classic due to clerical error, O'Brien confirms

2000 Guineas: Albert Einstein and Gstaad taken out of Newmarket Classic due to clerical error, O'Brien confirms

Aidan O’Brien says a “computer error” led to Albert Einstein and Gstaad being mistakenly scratched from the Betfred 2000 Guineas.The much-vaunted Albe...

Grand National: L'Homme Presse team 'completely devastated' as star is ruled out of Aintree feature

Grand National: L'Homme Presse team 'completely devastated' as star is ruled out of Aintree feature

Connections of L’Homme Presse have been left “completely devastated” after revealing their staying stalwart will miss the Randox Grand National.The 11...

Grand National: I Am Maximus headlines field of declared runners for 2026 Aintree showpiece but Nick Rockett ruled out

Grand National: I Am Maximus headlines field of declared runners for 2026 Aintree showpiece but Nick Rockett ruled out

I Am Maximus heads the maximum field of 34 declared runners as he attempts to emulate Red Rum in Saturday’s Randox Grand National.No horse since Ginge...

Doncaster's William Hill Lincoln: Urban Lion edges out Rogue Diplomat in thriller to win for Jack Channon and Edward Greatrex

Doncaster's William Hill Lincoln: Urban Lion edges out Rogue Diplomat in thriller to win for Jack Channon and Edward Greatrex

Edward Greatrex secured his biggest win for 11 years and aided Jack Channon's big double on the opening day of the Flat turf season as Urban Lion prev...