PARIS-VINCENNES - 28th December
Race 1
1. BETTY DE BAILLY - Unplaced in 9 career starts. Distant 8th under saddle last
time. Looks really tough on earnings
2. BARAKA DU RIB - Has already scored twice under saddle. Track winner over
longer. Just failed last time on inside track, but stepping up
3. BY LITTLE - C&D winner last February. Well-beaten by (10) Bali du Léard
penultimate start when 7th at 55/1
4. BELLA JISCE - Big 54/1 upsetter when winning on penultimate start. Moves 3
grades up here, looks tough
5. BILOOKA DU BOSCAIL - Won in the steward's room on mounted debut last time.
Moves up 3 grades but may have more on offer
6. BODEGA VET - Creditable 55/1 3rd last time when dominated by (10) Bali du
Leard
7. BELLE DES LANDES - Creditable but fancied 4th penultimate when dominated by
(10) Bali du Leard. Lost a lot of ground at the start
8. BABY GIRL DU SURF - Creditable 46/1 runner-up last time when dominated by
(10) Bali du Leard
9. BLUE ISLAND - Mounted debut. Great chance on harness form if stays in trot. 6/4
fav last time when broke
10. BALI DU LEARD - Easy grade B winner penultimate start under saddle beating
four of these over longer. Steps down in grade. Nivard/Leblanc duo, beware
11. BRINDILLE DE MAI - Easy 7/2 grade B winner last time on second mounted bid.
Big threat
Summary
Impressive (11) BRINDILLE DE MAI and (10) BALI DU LEARD stand out in this
decent Grade A mounted event. Both dominated recently under saddle, and the latter
was even sent off 3/1 second favourite in a Group 1 last time, but broke. However,
the first-named is more reliable, so gets the preference. Behind these two, quirky (9)
BLUE ISLAND is an obvious choice on harness form (although debuting under
saddle), while (7) BELLE DES LANDES may get closer this time as long as she gets
a good start.
Selections
(11) BRINDILLE DE MAI - (10) BALI DU LEARD - (9) BLUE ISLAND - (7) BELLE
DES LANDES
Race 2
1. BLACK JACK LA NUIT - Not disgraced last time at this grade over C&D when 6th
and not the best of trips
2. BERNARD L'ERMITE - Hasn't stopped improving since debut. Decent Grade D
runner up last time on inside track a month ago but not seen since. Outside track
debut
3. BOTZARIS - Easy Grade D winner recently on inside track. Outside track debut.
Big stable, expect more
4. BE BOP HAUFOR - Really impressive winner last twice. Leading Festival stable
and plenty of scope
5. BACCARAT DES PRES - Not always reliable but has form at this grade in the
provinces. Unplaced in 3 starts over C&D
6. BLUE PASS - Always thereabouts in 16 starts, but usually finds better. Small
podium chance
7. BOTIDO - Decent mounted specialist so far. Disqualified 3/3 in harness
8. BEL AMI - Consistent last 5 starts. Classic stable but 5/2 beaten fav last time over
C&D when 4th behind (14) Broardo in third
9. BRABUSS BLUE COEUR - C&D winner last January but nothing since
reappearing in October 6 starts. Gone sour?
10. BARON DARLING - Placed first after enquiry last time at lower grade. Stepping
up, but Nivard/Leblanc duo, beware
11. BAMBI DE BRY - Easy and impressive C&D Grade D winner 7 weeks ago but
not seen since. Probably more on offer
12. BOLIDE DE NUIT - Off for 3 months. Well beaten 7th over C&D at higher grade
in September
13. BAHAMAS - Highly-regarded by his connections. Excellent here last spring.
Getting back into gear, great entry. Beware
14. BROARDO - Really consistent in 9 starts with 6 podiums and 2 wins. Great entry
and on form
15. BEST DAY - Sound provincial form. No margin though. Great entry, but taking on
unexposed sorts
Summary
There are some unexposed-looking sorts in this interesting grade C harness event
where Christian Bigeon's (4) BE BOP HAUFOR and Jean-Marie Bazire's (3)
BOTZARIS perfectly fit the bill. Bigeon's charge is preferred as he was particularly
impressive last time when trouncing the field by several lengths, and should have no
problem adapting to the outside track today to make 3 in a row. (13) BAHAMAS is
also lightly-raced and highly-regarded by his connections, so he is likely to be a
danger if he trots fluently, especially judging by last spring's form. Finally, (11) BAMBI
DE BRY is another with scope who has the advantage of a course and distance win
last time.
Selections
(4) BE BOP HAUFOR - (3) BOTZARIS - (13) BAHAMAS - (11) BAMBI DE BRY
Race 3
1. ADMAN PERRINE - Ran much better than his placing suggests last time. Ran well
over similar distance last summer. Unshod as usual
2. ATTILA BERRY - Unconvincing for many months. Barefoot again
3. ALIVE MADRIK - Well beaten by (8) A Nous Trois, (10) Autre Nuage and (1)
Adman Perrine last time. Good efforts over short distance
4. AVE AVIS - Lost all chance at the start last time. Was impressive over C&D before
5. AUBRION DU GERS - Won three races last three times but still shod here. Was
unshod for all of his six attempts at Vincennes
6. AMIRAL DU BISSON - Consistent for many months at this grade. Creditable
runner-up last time. Unshod again
7. AH QUEL MICHA - Seems far from his top form. Some very good efforts many
months ago
8. A NOUS TROIS - Good runner-up last time, beating (10) Autre Nuage and (1)
Adman Perrine. Likes short distance
9. ALEXIS - Less convincing this winter after a very good summer at a lower level
10. AUTRE NUAGE - Quite consistent. Impressive finisher last time. Disappointed on
his only run behind the autostart
11. AUFOR DE MIRE - Only twelve outings. Convincing winner last time. Behind in
earnings. Shod as usual
12. AMSTRONG JET - Very good runner-up last week in a similar race. Won 2/3
races with autostart
13. ANZI DES LIARDS - Just won over C&D but at a lower level. Certain form.
Unshod again
14. AMADIGIOUS - Disappointed twice after a decent outing in November at Laval
15. A QUATRE AMIS - Finished 3rd but disqualified after inquiry last time. Ran well
twice before. Still shod here
16. AS DU POMMEAU - Won at a lower grade last time. Likes short distance. Shod
this time
Summary
Brother to the champion Quaker Jet, (12) AMSTRONG JET has the ability to score in
an event of this kind. He slightly is preferred to the impressive (11) AUFOR DE MIRE,
who starts from the second line too. Thanks to their position on the first line, (1)
ADMAN PERRINE and (6) AMIRAL DU BISSON both have a big part to play here.
(10) AUTRE NUAGE completes this selection.
Selections
(12) AMSTRONG JET - (11) AUFOR DE MIRE - (1) ADMAN PERRINE - (6)
AMIRAL DU BISSON - (10) AUTRE NUAGE
Race 4
1. UP AND QUICK - 3rd race after a long break. Runner-up in the Grand Prix
d'Amerique and Grand Prix de Paris winner. Bad draw. Remains shod
2. SEVERINO - Has fired in the European Tour of French Trotters. Not convincing in
the 2 former prep races. Hasn't shown much over this distance for a long time.
Remains shod
3. TIMOKO - 10 Group I winner all over Europe. Has had a light campaign since
summer and back over a distance he appreciates. Barefoot and driven by B. Goop
4. UHLAN DU VAL - 1st disqualified in the Group I Prix R. Ballière over C&D last
June. One of the best trotters nowadays. Noteworthy runner-up to (6) Texas Charm
last time. Remains shod as often
5. TIEGO D'ETANG - Impressive Prix de Bretagne winner. All-rounder champion in
both disciplines. Has a great turn of foot. Should be highly regarded even remaining
shod
6. TEXAS CHARM - Title holder. Was considered as the best before an injury which
stopped him for months. Won on the bridle last time proving he's back to form.
Inescapable if it is the case
7. MAVEN - 5yo American mare. Speed specialist. 1st time at Vincennes and over a
distance longer than a mile. US star driver Y. Gingras on board but he is
inexperienced at Vincennes. Remains shod
8. READY CASH - A true champion. Already won this race 3 times. Back to business
after a retirement. Running after euro 31000 prize-money to be qualified for the
Grand Prix d'Amerique 2015. Unshod behind as always
9. ROXANE GRIFF - The richest female trotter in history. Better under saddle
nowadays. Just romped home last week. Hasn't been convincing over C&D for a
long time. Bad draw and barefoot as always
10. KADETT C.D. - Swedish Grand Prix UET 2011 winner. Intermittent. 4th over
2850m last time after a clear run. Will probably be boxed in with the number 10.
Barefoot as often
11. VISCARIA - Placed in mounted Group races in career. Has shown a glimmer of
class at harness but has no margin in this company
12. SOLEIL DU FOSSE - Persistent horse with great stamina. (8) Ready Cash's
stablemate. Could be outpaced in this category. Bad draw and barefoot as always
13. MOSAIQUE FACE - Swedish Grand Prix UET 2013 winner with classic American
origins. Only raced twice on this track over long distances showing nothing. Remains
shod and trainer on board
14. VIKING DE VAL - Brave all-rounder runner, always gives his best. Noteworthy
5th last time in the former prep race. Best chance of the second tier. Unshod in front
as often
15. AMOUR D'OCCAGNES - 7yo runner who changed trainer in October. Hasn't
won for a long time. Seems to be held by most of this rivals. 2nd time unshod in front
in career
16. TALICIA BELLA - Average 6th recently on mounted debut behind 3 of today's
rivals. Will be suited by the shorter distance and can get placed. Unshod in front as
usual
17. SOLVATO - Swedish 5yo Group I winner. 3rd in the Prix du Bourbonnais on
Vincennes debut after a clear run. Will be better over a short distance. Bad draw but
barefoot as last time and experienced O. Kihlstrom on board.
18. OIBAMBAM EFFE - Italian 6yo mare who hasn't won for a long time. Can be
dismissed in this company
Summary
Back on top form, (6) TEXAS CHARM is without any doubt the best trotter over this
difficult 2100m circuit. So he looks the inevitable choice in this third Prix d'Amerique
prep where (8) READY CASH, a true champion, will have to be in the shakeup if he
is to qualify for the Prix d'Amerique. (3) TIMOKO is back over a distance he
appreciates, (4) UHLAN DU VAL is seeking to make amends for last summer's
disqualification over course and distance, and (5) TIEGO D'ETANG is obviously one
to consider on the back of his win in the first Amerique prep 6 weeks ago. An
explosive race in perspective!
Selections
(6) TEXAS CHARM - (8) READY CASH - (3) TIMOKO - (4) UHLAN DU VAL - (5)
TIEGO D'ETANG
Race 5
1. UIT DU PATURAL - South-west runner. Vincennes debut. Often in the shakeup in
lower level races. Open to improvement
2. ULSTER DE CHENU - Quirky but talented enough in this category. Disqualified on
penultimate start in a similar race at Vincennes. Barefoot today and Raffin in the
saddle
3. UPPERCUT DU BANNEY - Unnoticed over C&D in August. Honourable 4th on the
inside track last time at this grade. Has no margin and remains shod as always
recently
4. UXTER MIX - Off since January. Has shown mounted ability at higher grade.
Remains shod. Best wait for a significant run
5. ULEX DE LEZIGNE - Mounted specialist. Very pleasant recently in the Provinces
but stepping up in grade. Back to Vincennes where he never won. Good when
unshod behind
6. UKIJA - Twice runner-up on both tracks lately at this level. Will remain shod today
just like she was when runner-up on penultimate start on the main track
7. UCCIANI - Winner 2/3 lately in similar races showing a decent form. Disqualified
when leading the field in between. Impressive stable. Remains shod as always
8. UNION DE MALOUY - Complicated mare often disqualified (2/3 lately). Has won
in the provinces in November and 5th over C&D in August at this grade. Barefoot as
often
9. UZTY DE VIVE - Made zero impact since 2 consecutive wins in summer 2013.
Has been off for 4 months twice this year. Remains shod as always
10. UNGARO D'EVA - Has just done well in the Provinces at a lower level. Back to
Vincennes where he has been placed sometimes. Not totally out of it for a place
11. UNIE DRYME - Winless since November 2013 but very often in the shakeup at
this grade. 1st time unshod in front today to benefit from a good entry
Summary
On gleaming form, (7) UCCIANI is the obvious top selection in this D grade mounted
race with only 11 runners. Reliable, even at this level, (11) UNIE DRYME must have
been carefully prepared for this interesting entry, just like (2) ULSTER DE CHENU for
whom Eric Raffin has been booked as when winning on his penultimate start. (6)
UKIJA is ready to take advantage of any of the favourites' mishaps.
Selections
(7) UCCIANI - (11) UNIE DRYME - (2) ULSTER DE CHENU - (6) UKIJA
Race 6
1. TRINITE DU MONT - Just romped home on the inside track with her apprentice
after a good win at Amiens. Reliable but remains shod. Raffin on board today
2. TAQUINE DU LOISIR - Easy winner over C&D last week beating some today's
rivals. Was barefoot like today. Open to follow up with M. Abrivard again
3. ROSSIGNOL DE FANES - Creditable 4th over C&D in September. Consistent
when barefoot like today. The fastest over C&D though stepping up in grade. Best
entry
4. TRIORA - Intermittent. Not experienced over C&D though winner in an autostart
race at Le Croise-Laroche over 2700m. Has podium potential
5. SUCCES DE VAUX - Winless since June 2013 and not better than 5th over C&D
since summer. A place remains possible with a clear run. Remains shod today
6. SOLE MIO - Disqualified on his last run over C&D. Not convincing at Cagnes-surMer lately. Surprising sometimes. Remains shod as always
7. THEO DE GISSE - Runner-up at a lower level at Cabourg lately. Performs better
on right-handed tracks. Unexperienced over C&D. Barefoot as last time
8. RAMSES DU PRIEUR - Made zero impact since a 2nd place in a claimer in July
even at a much lower level. 1st time unshod in front
9. TARQUIN DU BOIS - Disqualified 3/3 lately. 5th over C&D in September preceded
by (3) Rossignol de Fanes. Bad draw. Unshod behind as often
10. TOKYO DU VIVIER - Off since June 2013. Had serious credentials but needs to
run. Best wait for a significant race
11. TIA JOSSELYN - Has just changed trainer. Only raced once in an autostart race.
Remains shod today. Best watched
12. SUPREME DE CORDAY - 5th last week over C&D finishing pleasantly. May
need the race. 1st time unshod in front today but bad draw
13. TOSCANE DE L'OISON - Disqualified last time over C&D with Nivard on board.
Wasn't far from the leaders. Was shod like today. Bad draw
14. TAQUIN DU BELLAY - Winless since May 2013. 4th last time over C&D next to
(2) Taquine du Loisir but preceding many today's rivals. A place is possible with a
very clear run. Barefoot as last run
15. TRUT DU BOULAY - Hasn't shown much since a victory last June. 7th over C&D
last time. Remains shod today
16. SPIRIT OF ORGERES - Quirky 8yo often disqualified. Bad draw. Difficult to
recommend even if unshod on all four today
Summary
Race 6 could be an excellent opportunity for (2) TAQUINE DU LOISIR to follow up
after an impressive win over course and distance last week, but (3) ROSSIGNOL DE
FANES must have targeted this race considering his entry. For the minor placings,
(4) TRIORA is slightly moving down in grade and well placed behind the mobile gate,
(1) TRINITE DU MONT has to avoid the number 1 trap with E Raffin on board, and
(12) SUPREME DE CORDAY may have improved on his pleasant last run.
Selections
(2) TAQUINE DU LOISIR - (3) ROSSIGNOL DE FANES - (4) TRIORA - (1) TRINITE
DU MONT - (12) SUPREME DE CORDAY
Race 7
1. CREPE DE SATIN - 3/11 times on the podium since debut in August. Decent
runner-up in a C race at this track last time. Unproven beyond 2200m
2. CAPUCINE DE MESLAY - Consistent. Eye-catching runner-up in a C race on
Vincennes' outside track last time
3. CINNA DE BRIOUZE - 1/5 times on the podium since debut in August. Unlucky
behind three of today's rivals in a B race on Vincennes' outside track last time
4. CANA DE BAILLY - Still a maiden. Creditable 5th behind two of today's rivals in a
B race on Vincennes' outside track last time
5. CARLA BILOU - Complicated but talented horse. Lost all chance at the start last
time. Narrowly won in front of (4) Cana de Bailly a D race at this track on penultimate
start
6. CALINE ELDE - Won in front of (9) Cargese de Blary a C race at Enghien on
penultimate start. Creditable 4th in a G3 on Vincennes debut last time
7. COCO BEACH - Well-regarded by connections. Lost all chance at the start in a
G2 last time. Matched strides with (9) Cargese de Blary in a B race on Vincennes'
outside track on penultimate start
8. CHANA DU FER - Trained by B. Bourgoin like (4) Cana de Bailly. Well beaten by
(9) Cargese de Blary at this grade at this track last time after leading
9. CARGESE DE BLARY - Narrowly beaten in front of four of today's rivals in a B
race on Vincennes' outside track last time. Only euros 1,140 from the maximum
earnings for this race
Summary
Recent winner (9) CARGESE DE BLARY can strike again in this interesting 2yo fillies
race on Vincennes' inside track. Disqualified last time, (7) COCO BEACH mustn't be
written off. (2) CAPUCINE DE MESLAY will improve again, while (6) CALINE ELDE
moves down in class and will find the opposition easier.
Selections
(9) CARGESE DE BLARY - (7) COCO BEACH - (2) CAPUCINE DE MESLAY - (6)
CALINE ELDE
Race 8
1. VERDI DE PAYRE - A mounted trotting specialist. Narrowly won an E race on
Vincennes' outside track last time with S.-E. Pasquier in the saddle
2. VAL DE COEUR - A mounted trotting specialist. Well beaten in a D race on
Vincennes' outside track last time with Jublot in the saddle. Has acted over C&D
3. VEINARD DU GITE - Unbeaten in mounted races, with Romero in the saddle, but
Vincennes debut and steps up in class
4. VENT D'ECHAL - Versatile. Creditable 4th behind three of today's rivals in a D
race on Vincennes' outside track last time. Unshod on all four today
5. VIRTUOSE DE GREZ - A mounted trotting specialist. Consistent. Decent 3rd
behind two of today's rivals in a D race on Vincennes' outside track last time
6. VAILLANT DE CROUAY - Easily won an E race at Graignes over a longer
distance in November. Has shown less since. Ridden by M. Mottier for the first time
7. VENDEEN MERITE - Consistent. Won with authority in front of (11) Veloce du
Londel and (2) Val de Cœur in a D race over C&D on penultimate start
8. VIEUX COPAIN - Versatile. Eye-catching runner-up in front of three of today's
rivals at this grade on Vincennes' outside track last time. Remains shod today
9. VIDOCQ DE CALENDES - Has returned to form. Decent runner-up between (11)
Veloce du Londel and (5) Virtuose de Guez in a D race on Vincennes' outside track
last time at 24-1
10. VERLAINE D'EM - Has just beaten his previous record (1'14''6). Won with
authority in front of three of today's rivals in a D race on Vincennes' inside track last
time
11. VELOCE DU LONDEL - Irreproachable since running under saddle. Easily won
in front of four of today's rivals in a D race on Vincennes' outside track
12. VILEM DE BEAUVOIS – Doubtful form. Unconvincing since reappearance in
October. Unshod on all four today
Summary
(8) VIEUX COPAIN has been knocking on the door recently and proved he is worthy
of a race of this level. (10) VERLAINE D'EM won in style last time and can follow up
even if he is stepping up in class. (7) VENDEEN MERITE is Eric Raffin's choice
today so gets 3rd vote, ahead of recent winner (11) VELOCE DU LONDEL who is
also a podium chance.
Selections
(8) VIEUX COPAIN - (10) VERLAINE D'EM - (7) VENDEEN MERITE - (11) VELOCE
DU LONDEL
Race 9
1. BIENVENUE GEDE - Creditable 3rd at this grade at this track last time. Autostart
debut. Driven by Bonne for the first time
2. BAKERLOO LINE - Ran better than her placing suggests at this grade on
Vincennes' outside track last time. Has acted behind the autostart. Decent runner-up
over C&D in June
3. BULLE BLANCHE - Still a maiden. Well beaten at this grade over C&D last time.
Driven by Nivard for the first time
4. BELLY DANCE - Is improving. Easily won on mounted debut on Vincennes' inside
track last time. Autostart debut. Only euros 770 from the maximum earnings for this
race
5. BRUME DU DRUGEON - Still a maiden. Average 4th at this grade over C&D on
penultimate start. Ideal draw behind the autostart
6. BELLE ECLAIRCIE - Unlucky behind (8) Bellaya in an E race at this track last
time. 1/7 times on the podium behind the autostart
7. BAHIA D'OMBLAIS - Well-regarded by connections. Will have improved on recent
reappearance run. Autostart debut
8. BELLAYA - Creditable 3rd on harness debut in an E race at this track last time.
Autostart debut. Outside draw
9. BADIANE DU PONT - Still a maiden. Creditable 3rd in an E race at this track on
November 4. Has shown less since. Has acted behind the autostart. Outside draw
10. BALIANCE DEVOL - Eye-catching 5th in an E race on Vincennes' outside track
last time. Bad draw behind the autostart on the second tier
11. BARAKA DE FELINE - Easily won an E race at Le Mans with Bazire in the sulky
in July. Has shown less since. Modest 5th over C&D on November 11
12. BAMBA NOUBA - Still a maiden. Doubtful form. Has acted behind the autostart.
3/7 times on the podium with Barrier in the sulky
13. BERENICE DU VAL - Complicated horse. 5/7 times disqualified since debut in
May
Summary
(7) BAHIA D'OMBLAIS's trainer has prepared her especially for this race, even if she
is running behind the autostart for the first time. On top form, (4) BELLY DANCE can
follow up. (8) BELLAYA should do well at this level, while (3) BULLE BLANCHE could
be on the podium too, especially with Franck Nivard in the sulky for the first time.
Selections
(7) BAHIA D'OMBLAIS - (4) BELLY DANCE - (8) BELLAYA - (3) BULLE
BLANCHE