The China Horse Club’s racing team based in France is set to kick off the second half of the season this month with trainer Nicolas Clement earmarking several of the stable’s promising performers for race engagements.
Stakes winner Ming Zhi Cosmos continues to progress well in Chantilly and is being readied for a preparation that is likely to begin in September. The free running filly has shown a disliking for very firm tracks and Clement is mindful of avoiding racing in the summer month of August when this is likely.
Ming Zhi Cosmos
In her absence stablemates Jiayuguan and Celestial House are expected to spearhead the CHC France team’s fortunes in August. The lightly raced duo have been freshened ahead of their current preparation and are more than capable of playing strong supporting roles to Ming Zhi Cosmos. Jiayuguan will be the first unveiled by Clement when tacking the Prix de Coubepine (1900m) over the Deauville summer carnival in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Celestial House
“Ming Zhi Cosmos has been freshened up and looks a picture,” Clement said.
“She will be pointed towards listed races in France or Italy when the ground is a little soft in September (currently it is summer). Jiayuguan looks great after being freshened up and she will run in Deauville. Celestial House could also run in the first half of the month.”
An unraced half-sister to G1 Italian Oaks winner Meridana and Monami (2011 Champion German 2YO) is also likely to debut before the season is out. The near black filly is bred to stay and has been taken along patiently by Clement with an eye to the 2015 classic season.