3 minute read
Preview: G1 Prix de France Speed Race.
Délia du Pommereux set a new kilometre rating record of 1'09"8 last year in the G1 Prix de France Speed Race (2100m). She has a great record in this feature contest having also finished third in 2020. Can the mare produce another big performance? We look at the field.
Vivid Wise As
Consistent eight-year-old who has been in great form over the past ten months with multiple top-level victories coming in the G1 Grand Criterium de Vitesse de La Cote d'Azur (1609m) last March at Cagnes-sur-Mer alongside the G1 Prix de l'Atlantique (2150m) at Enghien a month later. He ran an excellent fourth in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m) a fortnight ago. All eight career wins have come in mobile races and looks a serious player.
Bahia Quesnot
Eleven-year-old mare, Bahia Quesnot arrives in mixed form but she showed she still had ability when a good third tackling the mounted G1 Prix de l'Ile-De-France (2175m) last weekend at Vincennes. Her autostart profile is not the best and the quick turnaround is also another disadvantage.
Délia du Pommereux
She beat Face Time Bourbon in this event twelve months ago but has provided only mixed form in outings since. The nine-year-old mare managed twelfth of eighteen in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m) two weeks ago. She is likely to show more returning to this race and might be thereabouts.
Billie de Montfort
There will not be many more chances for Billie de Montfort with retirement imminent. She ran well at Son Pardo (Spain) in September and was a good third in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q5 (2100m) over this course and distance two outings back. Place at best.
Zacon Gio
As a seven-year-old was showing plenty of ability in Italy before moving to the Jean-Michel Bazire stable at the start of the Vincennes Winter Meeting. The trainer is likely to be taking up the driving role here as well and he is operating at a fantastic strike rate currently. Could be the dark horse with plenty good Italian autostart form in the book.
Flamme du Goutier
Arrives in solid form this season with success in the mounted G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) at this track two outings ago a highlight. She posted an excellent third tackling the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m). Interesting runner if replicating that level of form.
Cokstile
Lightly raced in France but was a course and distance winner three starts back when successful in the autostart G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q5 (2100m) at the start of last month. Finished 6.25L ninth in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m) and may need another step forward.
Davidson du Pont
Top-level performer who recorded a career best effort landing the biggest prize of a nose victory in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m) at this venue two weeks ago beating many re-opposing rivals. He was DQ in this event last year but is worth a place on the shortlist to do the double.
Vitruvio
The eight-year-old only managed eleventh in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m). Ran well at Milan (Italy) prior when second in autostart company. This is a big test.
Etonnant
Started the Vincennes Winter Meeting in great form finding success tackling the walk up G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q2 (2850m) beating Face Time Bourbon in December. Disappointing eighths on both runs since including in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m). Mobile profile is not the strongest.
Power
Is a proven top-class performer in native Sweden and a former winner of the St Leger-Fyraaringslopp (3140m) in 2020. Found success that same year over course and distance when attempting the autostart G1 Grand Prix de l'U.E.T. (2100m). Interesting if Eric Raffin takes up the drive and whether the six-year-old returns to best form. Worth a second look.
Express Jet
Ran with credit here in the track and journey autostart G3 Prix du Luxembourg (2100m) at the end of last month when four lengths behind the winner into seventh. Place likely best in this competitive heat.
Rebella Matters
Holds a promising placing strike rate in autostart events. Two outings back showed plenty of ability here when a close third in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q6 (2850m). Each-way contender after a rare DQ when contesting the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m).
Chica de Joudes
Ten-year-old mare, Chica de Joudes produced a fair sixth in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique Legend Race (2700m) two weeks back. Mobile record is not the strongest and a place looks likely at best.
Fakir du Lorault
Maintains a good autostart record and steps up in class after a 5.25L tenth in the autostart G3 Prix du Luxembourg (2100m). The seven-year-old faded quickly that day and this competition could be too strong.
WINNER - Vivid Wise As
EACH-WAY - Délia du Pommereux
DARK-HORSE - Zacon Gio