Preview: G1 Prix des Centaures.
The G1 Prix des Centaures (2200m) is the final Group One mounted race at the Vincennes Winter Meeting of 2021-2022. It is restricted to four to six year olds with the four year olds gaining a valuable 25m advantage. All age groups have enjoyed a fair level of success recently so which generation will come out on top? We preview the event...
Iena Dodville
Form reads two wins and two placings in mounted company. Overall profile this season, has been disappointing, and she rises two levels for this event. The four-year-old daughter of Voltigeur de Myrt was DQ in the G3 Prix d'Avenches (2175m) here two weeks ago. Needs progress.
Isildur Paulois
Holds a promising profile at this venue with three placings from six starts. This four-year-old son of Scipion du Goutier has shown plenty of ability at this Winter Meeting despite being unlucky on a couple of occasions. He posted a strong third on final run last season tackling the mounted G1 Etrier 3 Ans Q4 - St Leger des Trotteurs (2450m) at Caen in May and returned to this course with a runner-up effort contesting the G3 Prix Urgent (2700m) in December. Unlucky when DQ in the closing stages of the G1 Prix de Vincennes (2700m) four runs ago however if he keeps stride, he is a key contender.
Ici C'Est Paris
Top-class mounted performer who has been running very well during this campaign including a pair of victories at Group Two level in the G2 Prix Louis Tillaye (2700m) in November before following-up by the same margin (nose) tackling the G2 Prix Raoul Balliere (2175m). Ran with credit in the G1 Prix de Vincennes (2700m) when fifth. Fair efforts since. In the mix.
Garincha Sport
Interesting six-year-old mare by Quincy Boy who steps up massively in class after an impressive eight length success, making all here in a Grade D mounted event three weeks back when recording a personal best kilometre rating of 1'12 ''9. Runs barefoot and worth a second look. However, concerns about this top-level are a question mark.
Hera de Banville
This five-year-old daughter of Goetmals Wood has been progressive this campaign and holds a promising course profile of two placings and three wins from five track visits. Found success two outings back in the G2 Prix Camille Blaisot (2175m) before struggling attempting the G2 Prix Paul Bastard (2700m). Place looks best without shoes and secures leading jockey.
Galla de Manche
Caught the eye at this venue when fourth in the G3 Prix Indienne (2200m) a month ago with a smart kilometre rating of 1'13''1. This six-year-old mare by Village Mystic placed on two consecutive starts prior and is another who is an unknown contender at this level. Market likely the best guide stepping up significantly in grade again.
Georgica Gede
Consistent six-year-old mare by Atlas de Joudes who has made the frame five times from last six runs including two Group placings alongside a Group Three success when continuing the progressive profile landing the G3 Prix Indienne (2200m) a month ago. Holds claims racing barefoot.
Galipette Pierji
Arrives in excellent form. Made the frame on past six attempts all in mounted company with two Class B and a pair of Class C triumphs preceding a strong runner-up effort in the G3 Prix Indienne (2200m). Both the trainer and driver are operating at a good strike rate. Interesting candidate running barefoot.
Hytte du Terroir
Fascinating contender who has been in fair form this campaign with a season-best effort coming five outings back when successful tackling the G2 Prix Philippe du Rozier (2175m) in December. Mixed efforts since but did run well fading quickly in the closing stages contesting the G2 Prix Paul Bastard (2700m) beaten ten lengths into fifth. This five-year-old mare by Boccador de Simm could go close.
Heros de Fleur
Consistent in both mounted and driven company never having broken stride in his career. This five-year-old by Ludo de Castelle placed three times in Group races this Winter Meeting including two runs ago in the G2 Prix Camille Blaisot (2175m) at the end of January behind the re-opposing Hera de Banville posting a personal best kilometre rating of 1'11''9. Worth considering racing without shoes.
Hirondelle du Rib
Highly talented mare by Rolling d'Heripre who has recorded three victories during this Winter Meeting including the G2 Prix Paul Bastard (2700m) last month. Holds a good record at this venue with two placings and three wins from twelve track visits. Runs barefoot and makes for appeal.
Granvillaise Bleue
Top-class performer who could prove hard to beat once again and may continue to dominate the mounted scene during this Vincennes Winter Meeting. This six-year-old daughter of Jag de Bellouet has finished top two in four runs since November including two Group Two wins before an excellent second attempting the G1 Prix de l'Ile-De-France (2175m) last time, a month ago. Highly effective when running without shoes and rates a leading contender again.
WINNER - Granvillaise Bleue
Each-way - Ici C'Est Paris
