Preview: Prix de l'lle-de-France.
After the excitement of the G1 Grand Prix d'Amérique Legend Race (2700m) last weekend, we return to Vincennes for more Group One action in the mounted G1 Prix de l'Île-de-France (2175m). Bilibili is the current record holder for the contest with a kilometre rating of 1'10 but can it be beaten?
Vaprio – This Italian-bred son of Namibia got off the mark in mounted company at the second time of asking when running out a very easy six-length winner of a Class C event here a fortnight ago. Although unexposed, this represents a huge step up in grade and he has plenty to find on the figures.
Florida Sport – She produced back-to-back wins in the G3 Prix Auguste Francois (2175m) and G3 Prix Yvonnick Bodin (2700m) before struggling in behind some re-opposing rivals in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m). The daughter of Tornado Bello remains lightly raced in the saddle but will need to find some improvement in order to trouble the principals at this top-level.
Freeman de Houelle – The Franck Leblanc-trained seven-year-old was last seen fading into tenth having shown up well for a long way in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) here two weeks ago. He certainly has the credentials to be involved in a race of this nature as a ten-time mounted winner who has an excellent record when racing barefoot. The form of his close third behind Granvillaise Bleue in the G2 Prix Edmond Henry (2700m) looks interesting and he cannot be discounted.
Granvillaise Bleue – High-class mounted performer who arrives in brilliant form following Group Two wins in the Prix Edmond Henry (2700m) and Prix Joseph Lafosse (2700m). The Pierre Levesque-trained stable star finished an excellent second in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) last-time out and arguably sets the standard on that performance. The drop back to 2175m should prove no issue with plenty of early pace and she looks the one to side with.
Gladys des Plaines – Talented six-year-old mare who has already tasted top-level success when winning the G1 Etrier 5 Ans Finale - Prix de Normandie (3000m) last year. Her recent form has been solid including when runner-up to Granvillaise Bleue in the G2 Prix Joseph Lafosse (2700m) in December. Her run of strong form petered out when fifth in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) but there is no doubt she is better than that and a bold bid looks assured.
Zarenne Fas – Italian raider who finished runner-up in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m) on his second mounted start. He followed that up with a fair seventh in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) and with further improvement, there is hope for each-way claims.
Bilooka du Boscail – Surprise six-and-a-half length third in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m) prior to finishing a well-held eleventh in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) at this course a fortnight ago. Expected to be sent off a big price for this event and although a minor placing is possible, others certainly hold stronger claims.
Etoile de Bruyere – Seven-time mounted scorer who arguably ran a career best when beaten one-and-three-quarter lengths into third in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) two weeks ago. The daughter of Kenor de Cosse has a solid record at the track and although she is far from certain to replicate that recent effort, could be involved once more.
Bahia Quesnot – Admirable eleven-year-old who certainly showed she retains all her ability when fourth in the G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m). The daughter of Scipion du Goutier had no real chance when tackling the G1 Grand Prix d'Amérique Legend Race (2700m) last-time out. She remains slightly interesting on her seventh mounted start and it would be no surprise if a good run was on the cards.
