French import Normandy Bridge to debut for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace at Caulfield

Bookies took no chances on import Normandy Bridge when posting opening markets for the Group 3 TS Carlyon Stakes at Caulfield.

Trainers David Eustace (left) and Ciaron Maher unveil import Normandy Bridge in the TS Carlyon Cup at Caulfield on Saturday. Picture: Trackside Photography

Bookmakers were wary of high-class French import Normandy Bridge when setting opening markets on Saturday’s Group 3 TS Carlyon Cup at Caulfield.

TAB posted Normandy Bridge as a $3 favourite when the field for the $200,000 contest dropped on Wednesday morning.

But early money for Open Minded, who firmed from $3.70 to $3, pushed Normandy Bridge’s quote to $3.50.

Another import, the Maddie Raymond-trained Earlswood, has firmed from $15 into $12 ahead of his local debut in the Carlyon Cup.

Normandy Bridge won two of six starts in France, including at Group 3 level, but also ran second in Group 1 company in 2020.

Jockey John Allen has ridden Normandy Bridge in most of his work since the stallion joined the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace camp.

He said the four-year-old has adapted well to Australian conditions.

“I’ve done a good bit of work on him and he’s a very nice horse,” Allen said.

“He did all his racing in France over one or two preparations but they were in the best three-year-old races over there.

“He’s come over here and he’s a big raw horse so you’d imagine he has improved a lot physically from three to four.

“I’ve been very impressed with everything he’s done so far.”

Jockey John Allen has developed a good understanding with French import Normandy Bridge. Picture: AAP

Maher said Normandy Bridge was a typical strong European type that has a better turn of foot than the likes of quality stayers Grand Promenade and Floating Artist.

He added the Group 1 Australian Cup over 2000m might be more suitable for Normandy Bridge.

“He’s a lovely horse, beautiful big traditional thoroughbred, European type, big horse that covers a lot of ground,” Maher said.

“He might have a bit better turn of foot (than a Grand Promenade, Floating Artist).

“I know he‘s been out to those distances but it would be interesting to see, he might be a 10-furlong (2000m) horse here.”

Melbourne’s warm week is likely to produce firm conditions for Saturday’s Caulfield meeting.

Normandy Bridge’s best form has been on soft ground in France.

Allen said he was confident the son of Le Havre could adapt to firmer Australian tracks.

“Pretty much all of his galloping has been on good tracks and he seems to handle that well,” Allen said.

Originally published as French import Normandy Bridge to debut for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace at Caulfield