Laurent Barbarin

Published 18.40 23/06

We have a very early start for Wednesday’s seven-race card at Chantilly where all races are on turf.

Race 5 at 11:05 is the third division of a handicap for horses aged four and upwards over one mile. In this modest contest, I am tempted to take a chance on RUBIS GOLD, an eight-year-old gelding ridden by Tony Piccone.

Although he’s only won four of his 87 career starts, this horse brings the strongest recent form into the race. The veteran has raced seven times this year, recording four placings and a fourth-place finish. He was well beaten last time out at Compiègne, but the very soft ground was clearly against him.

Rubis Gold has performed well on a couple of occasions in three starts over today's course and distance, while also boasting three victories on Chantilly's all-weather track.

He remains a genuine and versatile performer who can be ridden from virtually any position. Jonathan Leroy's charge has not tasted success since May 2024, but he has generally been running consistently this season and the overall quality of the opposition appears to present him with an excellent opportunity to return to the winner's enclosure.

Race 7 at 12:15 is a one-mile handicap with 11 runners aged four and upwards in which I am particularly drawn to the profile of MEISHO VELITE, a five-year-old mare who has won three of her 26 career starts.

Trained by Japanese-born handler Satoshi Kobayashi for owner Yoshitaka Matsumoto, the daughter of Intello comes into this race on the back of two excellent performances, the latest in handicap company.

A dual handicap winner in 2025, she found life difficult after being raised in the ratings towards the end of last year and in the early months of 2026. However, she has now dropped back to her last winning mark and her last two performances suggest that this has made a significant difference.

As usual, she will be partnered by Laura Grosso, whose 3lb claim is a valuable asset. Drawn in stall six, she should be able to adopt the prominent position she prefers.

On recent form, her main danger appears to be Chamberi, a five-year-old gelding who has been a frustrating horse to follow. He continues to run well and regularly makes the frame, yet remains a maiden after 18 career starts. 

My next column will be on Monday 29 June for action from Dax and Clairefontaine, two meetings shown live on Sky Sports racing.