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It’s the second most prestigious meeting of the year at Les Landes as the Clarendon marks the penultimate racing of the season.
On course commentator Mark Johnson insists it promises to be a classic meet, with six high quality horses racing for the £2,380 first prize.
Tony Le Brocq-trained Mr Opulence is a non-runner and Mr Johnson said that should be an advantage to favourite Aussie Lyrics.
He said: “Aussie Lyrics won the Jersey Derby earlier this summer so its quality is there for all to see, but that was a straight race, whereas the Clarendon is a one and a half mile handicap and with the extra 15lbs on board that could bring the other contenders into the frame.
“Aussie Lyrics is a class horse, but Benoordenhout has won twice over a shorter distance and could be a threat. Hawaiian Freeze, trained by James Moon and ridden by Philip Prince could also be there or thereabouts and you can’t forget King Kenny, who won this race as long ago as 2011.”
The first race is at 2.30pm, a two mile handicap hurdle, and Mr Johnson says two horses should vie for the £1,780 first prize.
“Cahill and Jazzy Lady are both good quality. Cahill was second in the Champion Hurdle and Jazzy Lady is the only UK-based horse coming over on Monday so she has to be respected. Bowl Imperior was second in the Derby so could have a part to play as well, especially with Mattie Batchelor on board.”
The second race at 3.05pm is a five and a half furlong sprint hurdle, with Mr Johnson going for Valmina and Country Blue.
“Both will be contesting as they share five sprint wins in the Channel Islands, Country Blue with three and Valmina with two. I think the weights could make that 3-3. “
Mr Johnson’s tip of the day runs in the fourth race, a one and a quarter mile handicap and is for horses who have not won this season.
He said: “Lady Petrus is my choice in what is a unique race. It is normally run on the last day of the season but because a meeting was postponed earlier this summer, it is now on Bank Holiday Monday at the Clarendon meet. Lady Petrus won last year but has failed to do so this time around, but everything fits for her in this race as it is her optimum distance. Larch, ridden by Jemma Marshall could well push her.”
The final race of the meeting is the 4.50pm one mile and 100-yard handicap, with Mr Johnson hoping the ever popular Pas D’action adds to her 12 Channel Islands victories, 11 of which have been at Les Landes.
He said: “Pas D’action would be a terrific winner to finish off and will go close. I think Chapeau Blue, with Marc Goldstein on board, will be thereabouts and won over this distance and course on Derby Day.”
The final meeting of the season is on Sunday, September 11th, with the first race at 2.30pm.
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