10-05-2025
Misunderstood and neglected despite record
Young Italian trainer Mario Baratti claimed European racing's big scalps in 2024, when 25-1 outsider Metropolitan scored a boilover win in the Group 1 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains (1,600m) at ParisLongchamp.
With the elite of the training ranks such as Andre Fabre, Aidan O'Brien, John Gosden and Francis-Henri Graffard saddling multiple-pronged attacks from both sides of the British Channel, the little-known Chantilly-based trainer drew cursory attention at best.
Less than two minutes later, Baratti, in combination with up-and-coming French jockey Alexis Pouchin, turned giant-killers when Metropolitan snuck up on the inside to steal the race known by non-francophones as the French 2000 Guineas.
It was an early Group 1 first for a trainer just thrown in at the deep end in 2019, but the polish earned from top yards like Mario Botti and Jim Bolger in UK, and the just-retired Pascal Bary, must have counted for something.
Second place also went to a long shot, 22-1 chance Dancing Gemini for another minnow, Lambourn trainer Roger Teal for a shock quinella.
One year on, the usual heavyweight suspects are back with the best three-year-olds they could muster, and yet again, top the market in the €650,000 (S$949,000) French 2000 Guineas at 10.25pm Singapore time on May 11.
The predictable pitch is another two horse-race between the two behemoths Coolmore v Godolphin - O'Brien's Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Henri Matisse, installed favourite at 4-1 up against Charlie Appleby's Aomori City.
One year on, Baratti and Pouchin have flown under the radar again. Two-time winner Misunderstood at 16-1 is only ninth in the line of betting of the 18-horse field.
Whether it is a case of short-term memory or a blind faith in superpowers, Baratti's conveyance of choice for his title defence can hold his own in a Guineas renewal that has been tipped as wide open.
For one, he already has a Group 3 win on his CV, the Prix des Chenes (1,600m) at ParisLongchamp at only his second start on Sept 12.
A few other factors are in the Hello Youmzain colt's corner, none more compelling than the similar path plotted by Metropolitan last year.
Both were unbeaten at their first two starts before Baratti picked the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau (1,600m) as their Guineas prelude.
Neither won the ParisLongchamp contest, but Metropolitan - who ran fifth - bounced back in the Guineas, which would have given Baratti hope all was not lost when Misunderstood tasted defeat for the first time.
More so when the Al Shaqab-owned galloper was at his racing comeback, but still put in a brave third to Ridari, who will again be among his rivals on Sunday.
"On his seasonal reappearance, he was beaten by the tactics of the race. The horse needed the race and has improved for the outing," said Baratti.
If there is one extra argument on Misunderstood's side, it is his third to Camille Pissarro - O'Brien's second-elect after Henry Matisse - in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (1,400m) on Arc (Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe) day last year, before he went for a break.
As such, he is going into the 3YO classic with slightly better credentials than the 2024 victor.
"He was already quite strong last year but he has calmed down a lot, and is easier to manage this season," said Baratti.
"He's a horse who's done nothing wrong. He's won or placed in all his races."
Barriers are the other good omen he shares with Metropolitan, who drew pole position last year.
Misunderstood has drawn three, but Baratti is under no illusions his charge still has his job cut out.
"He prefers softer ground but doesn't mind any surface. He is always very brave and behaves like a real champion," said Baratti.
"The big test will be on Sunday, and if he runs well, we'll then think about Royal Ascot."
manyan@
