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Vincennes hosts one of the best weekends of trotting with multiple Group events spanning across Saturday and Sunday. We preview the weekend including the G1 Sulky World Cup 4 ans (2700m) and G1 Sulky World Cup 5 ans (2700m).
Saturday – G3 Prix du Luxembourg (2100m)
Connections of Feliciano have chosen to sidestep the G1 Prix d'Amérique Races Legend Race (2700m) in favour of Saturday's G3 Prix du Luxembourg (2100m). He has been racing well without winning over the Winter Meeting including a second in the G3 Prix Jean Dumouch (2850m) but is yet to win over course and distance. Elie de Beaufour has an exceptional record barefoot with ten wins and a placing from eleven starts. The eight-year-old is chasing a third consecutive victory after successes in the G3 Prix Jean Dumoch (2850m) and the G3 Prix du Forez (2700m) and may prove difficult to beat in current form. Brilliant Madrik could play a role based on best efforts and Global Trustworthy has some useful form internationally. Fire Cracker won the Argentan leg of the G3 Grand National du Trot series in September and cannot be dismissed.
Saturday – G2 Prix Roquepine (2700m)
In a race dominated by international runners, the French-trained Jamaica Turbo looks an exciting prospect after her success in the G2 Prix Une de Mai (2175m) at this track. She lost her unbeaten record when disqualified subsequently and can bounce back. Jet Set Bond has plenty of experience in good races and her form behind Jamaica Turbo would put her in the mix. Jazzy Perrine was trying a new shoeing combination (fore pads, rear shoes) when winning the G2 Prix Gelinotte (2700m) and retains the same. She is yet to finish out of the top two.
Saturday - G2 Prix Paul Viel (2700m)
There are plenty of exciting three-year-old colts on show in the G2 Prix Paul Viel (2700m), headed by multiple Group winner Just A Gigolo. He has scored six times from seven career starts including in the G2 Prix Maurice de Gheest (2700m) and may prove difficult to beat. Internationally trained Deus Jack was third in the aforementioned G2 Prix Maurice de Gheest (2700m) on French debut and could progress for the experience. Jag Stryck has been featuring in all the best races recently and will be in the mix.
Sunday – G1 Sulky World Cup 4 Ans (2700m)
Idylle Speed will be looking for a Group One double after her hard-fought success in the G1 Criterium des 3 Ans (2700m) over course and distance last month. She has enjoyed a good Winter Meeting so far and may prove difficult to beat. Izoard Vedaquais lost his twelve-race unbeaten streak when beaten by a nose in the aforementioned G1 Criterium des 3 Ans (2700m) and will be looking for redemption. He wears pads on all fours for the first time. Ideal Ligneries has been racing well in top-class events over the last six months and it would not be a surprise to see the colt go close. Callmethebreeze has plenty of good form in Italy and caught the eye when third in the G2 Prix Charles Tiercelin (2100m) on his first start in France since August 2021.
Sunday – G1 Sulky World Cup 5 Ans (2700m)
Hooker Berry has been campaigned well over the last month, picking up prize money in multiple Group events including when second in the G2 Prix de Croix (2850m). He has an opportunity to break through for a success with a strong record over course and distance. Helgafell is a talented performer on his best day and showed a good level of form when a close second in the G1 Criterium Continental (2100m) behind Hohneck. Hussard du Landret is racing well in Group company including a close third in the G2 Prix Octave Douesnel (2700m). He could feature in the finish. Huwaga tries tougher competition after completing a Vincennes double. She has placed in Group company before and could be a dark horse.
Sunday – G2 Prix Jean Rene Gougeon (2100m)
Gout Baroque enjoyed success toward the latter end of 2021 providing some big performances in the G3 Grand National du Trot including a victory in the La Capelle leg. He struggled in the final despite starting at short odds and could be interesting if back to best. Empire has plenty of Group race experience and caught the eye when finishing second in the G1 Prix Tenor de Baune (2700m). That could be the stand-out piece of form in the race. Grand Art is worth consideration based on his close third in the G3 Prix Michel Marcel Gougeon (2700m) but his record over this course and distance is less inspiring (one placing from four attempts). Always Ek won the G3 Prix Oscar Collard (2100m) two starts back and was given a warm-up for this contest when taking a Class A contest by a small margin.