Premio Delle Nazioni: French stars challenge the Italians

The Gran Premio Delle Nazioni looks to be an open race, with two challengers from France meeting some of the strongest horses from Italy.

The race is scheduled for November 1 at 17:30 in Milan.

Starting positions

Go On Boy will try to set the record straight after his second place in the U.E.T. Elite Final in Turin on October 11, having also finished second in the Nazioni in 2023 and 2024. He will be looking for the ultimate redemption.

Post 9 isn’t the easiest starting position, but Go On Boy isn't the fastest behind the gate anyway. Romain Derieux can look for a back to race from. In Italy, the field often gets stretched, meaning a gap will appear sooner or later.

Idéal Ligneries will be the second challenger from France. The horse has proven himself mainly over the sprint distance, finishing second behind the likes of Idao de Tillard and Hohneck. Racing from within the field is not a problem.

Free Time Jepson, Dubhe Prav and possibly Edgar Saba will try to make use of the draw as best as possible. Free Time Jepson hasn’t shown his capabilities yet after his summer break, but the Gran Premio Lotteria winner still belongs among the favorites.

Working Class Hero moved to Alessandro Gocciadoro's stable earlier this year and has had two races in lower-class fields in Italy to adjust. He won both and, on paper, looks ready. He has proven his capabilities under his previous trainer Jörgen Westholm. He now has the chance to do it again. Number 6 suits the fast finisher.

Cobra Killer Gar is among the Italian horses that visit France most frequently, where he performs well against high-class horses. The horse doesn’t have a problem with coming from behind and has the ability to do some hard work during a race. From post 10, starting behind Free Time Jepson, his options are wide.

Both Falco Killer Gar and First of Mind have proven themselves over the distance, but haven't been in the kind of form that has put them on the podium against similar competition in previous races. Their draw should offer them a nice trip to finish well. Interesting challengers, with the favorites having to come from more difficult positions.

Fenicia As, Fil EK and Follia d’Esi have to outdo themselves to be in the conversation.