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MLnuiiin.nnw.L.Mii.ui i ■■■ W _ ™i*i™a"i™ France Reviewing Rapace Prix Hoquart Win By GODOLPHIN DARLEY Paris Correspondent, Daily Racing Form PARIS, France. — All the racing newspaper writers were over from England last Sunday at Longchamp and so were the MLnuiiin.nnw.L.Mii.ui i ■■■ leading leading bookmakers bookmakers leading leading bookmakers bookmakers including Bill Hill. They were expecting a clue as to which colt from France might win the Derby at Epsom. On the card at Longchamp was the Prix Hoquart at one mile and a half, a pre-classic for three-year-olds which often serves as a final test for the French French candidates candidates for for ™i*i™a"i™ French French candidates candidates for for the English Derby at the same distance. There were 12 starters at Longchamp and the favorite was Francois Dupres Datour, by Tourbillon, a 10-1 chance in the Derby. Winner the first time out in the Prix Juigne, Datour made a fine display, although able to finish only second, beaten a length by Comte Francois de Ganays Rapace, by Djefou. Coming out of the last turn, it looked as if Datour would win, as he drew away from the field with the exception of one, Rapace. Finishing remarkably fast, Rapace, a newcomer in the classic picture, went on to score comfortably. Rapace is trained by Robert Wallon at Maisons-Laffitte and was ridden by Fred Palmer. Third, two and one-half lengths back, was Jean Lionels Norfolk, by Tornado, and the fourth horse was five lengths away, Marquise de Boisgelins Nlstralin, by Mistral. The time, 2:31.82, was only one-fifth of a second off the mark of Migoli set in the fall. The going was excellent. The time represents a record for three-year-olds in the spring. The last half mile was covered in :48 and the final half furlong in :11.49 was the fastest sixteenth in the race. Although suffering defeat, Datour could improve before Derby Day. Since he has proved to be a stayer and the time was so good, Datour stands a good chance in the Derby. Other French candidates for the Derby appear to be the Aga Khans Hafiz, quoted at 19-1 in the ante-post betting and trained by Alee Head, and Martin Fabianis Point Gamma, trained by John Cunningham, Jr., and priced at 33-1. The latter colt won his two starts this season, and his limit is not yet known. With 6,000 added, the Prix Cadran at two and one-half miles was the chief feature on Sundays card. It is the leading sprint event at Longchamp for four-year-olds and upward. Eight of the best French horses in training went to the start and victory was fairly easy for Marcel Bous-sacs 5-year-old Elpenor. He was defeated by a neck by Silex in the same event last year but scored over the same Silex by a head in the equivalent English event, the Gold Cup at Ascot, also at two and one-half miles. A proven stayer, Elpenor took the lead at the start and, setting a hot pace, never allowed the field a breather. He won without being seriously challenged by three lengths. The time was 4:16.24, a new record for the distance. Elpenor covered the last half mile in :49.70 and the last two quarter miles, respectively, In :24.12 and :25.58. The runner-up was 8*ca Boy, with Banassa third and Popof fourth. Elpenor is trained by Charles Elliot and was ridden by Serge Boullen-ger. It was owner-breeder Boussacs first big win of the season. The same day a race at one mile and five furlongs was carded for top maiden 3-year-olds. T. W. A. navigator Jerry Jakob was not there to see his colors win on his colt Doural, a fine looking individual by Admiral Drake that he bought from Madame Volterra. The owner-breeder also passed Jerry the colors she raced under before taking over those of her late husband. The young American navigator should see his colt win again this season. Recently at FontaineMeau, south of Paris, the first public race in France with pari-mutuel betting for lady riders was run. The event was over five and one-half furlongs. Attendance was the greatest ever recorded at the track and admission fees were up 860 per cent. The winning rider was Anne-Dominique Maria, who, when questioned, admits she is almost 14. Her blond horse-tail flying fai the wind, Miss Maria beat trainer Lescalles daughter and rode a finish that would be a credit to any first class Jockey. Other events for lady riders will fee staged shortly around Paris.
