3 minute read

Preview: G1 Prix de Selection.

Face Time Bourbon has won the last three renewals of the G1 Prix de Sélection (2200m) including with a record-breaking kilometre rating for the event (1'10"3) when successful twelve months ago. This weekend will see a new name on the winner's list but who? We look at the runners...

Infant Perrine  

Consistent four-year-old son of Atlas de Joudes who has been racing well in each of the five Vincennes Winter Meeting outings including a good third in the G2 Prix Jacques de Vauloge (2700m) four runs ago in November. Produced multiple solid fourths since, tackling the G1 Criterium des 3 Ans (2700m) and in latest the G1 Sulky World Cup 4 Ans (2700m). Place chance at best.  

Idao de Tillard  

Highly promising four-year-old son of Severino recording nine wins from twelve career starts. Trainer Thierry Duvaldestin is a master at placement of his horses and is in good form working at 22%-win strike rate the past 50 runners while this colt has showed ability at the track including an excellent second contesting the G1 Sulky World Cup 4 Ans (2700m) before winning the G2 Prix Ephrem Houel (2700m). Receiving 50m from his older rivals puts him right in the mix. Consider.  

Inoubliable  

The only four-year-old filly in the line-up. Not dismissed if at best. The daughter of Prodigious won five runs back the G2 Prix Annick Dreux (2700m) in November before an unlucky late DQ in the final 350m when in contention for victory tackling the G1 Criterium des 3 Ans (2700m). Mixed efforts since, however. Others look stronger chances.  

Italiano Vero  

Consistent and classy performer who holds an eye-catching Vincennes record of four placings and six victories from thirteen runs including as the only runner in the line up to place at this track and trip. The four-year-old by Ready Cash arrives in excellent form including a 0.5L runner-up effort attempting the G1 Prix de l'Etoile (2200m) which stands out last September. Solid outings subsequently, which involved finding success in the G2 Prix Jacques de Vauloge (2700m) here in November. The handicap advantage against older rivals is also significant. On the shortlist.  

Hermine Girl 

This five-year-old daughter of Atlas de Joudes has only scored once from 24 starts at this venue and steps up in grade after struggling to find best form recently. Tried various disciplines this campaign including mounted racing and was among autostart company last time. Progress is needed at this top-level.  

Gamay de l'Iton  

Holds consistent form this season with wins or placings the past five runs including two Group Three triumphs since the turn of the year in the G3 Prix Michel Marcel Gougeon (2700m) and the G3 Prix de Rouen (2850m). This six-year-old son of Bird Parker is two from two over this distance and has a top driver booked once again. Consider.  

Hokkaido Jiel  

Took a step forward and showed plenty of ability here tackling the G3 Prix de Nevers (2850m) just over a week ago when narrowly beaten into second. This five-year-old son of Brillantissime has been busy during the Winter Meeting and he may need to improve again to be competitive in this higher grade. On the other hand, Alexandre Abrivard is in flying form working at a 26%-win strike rate in last 50 drives.  

Hussard du Landret  

Enjoys this venue with five placings and five wins from twenty attempts. Brings mixed form during this season though some performances catch the eye including a good third in the G2 Prix Octave Douesnel (2700m) four runs back in December behind two subsequent winners in the shape of Hohneck and Hooker Berry. Hohneck is likely to be a re-opposing rival once again and this son of Bird Parker needs to be at best running barefoot. Each-way hope.  

Helgafell  

Highly talented contender who made the frame with a solid third (only beaten just over two lengths) in the G1 Sulky World Cup 5 Ans (2700m) on Prix d'Amérique day before recording a seventh career DQ contesting the G2 Prix Ovide Moulinet (2700m). This son of Charly du Noyer is unbeaten from three attempts over this distance.  

Hohneck  

Top-class five-year-old son of Royal Dream who could prove the one to beat once again having recorded fourteen victories from thirty career outings, just shy of a 50% career winning strike rate and been in flying form during this Winter Meeting. Delivered an excellent third last September in the G1 Sulky 4 Ans Finale - Critérium des 4 Ans (2850m) before a consistent run this term. A solid three and half-length defeat when fifth in the G1 Prix d'Amérique Legend Race (2700m) confirms his ability. Having to concede 50m is the challenge but remains a leading contender with a fantastic barefoot profile.  

Win – Hohneck  

Each-Way - Idao de Tillard