Preview: Criterium des 5 Ans.
The final of the Sulky 5 Ans series, the G1 Criterium des 5 Ans (3000m) has an impressive winner's list with champions such as Face Time Bourbon and Bold Eagle taking the contest in recent years. We assess the leading contenders for this year's renewal...
Green Grass
Green Grass is the highest earner in the field and has won at the top level before, recording a success in the G1 Prix Comte Pierre de Montesson (2700m) in February 2019. She has struggled with disqualifications in 2021 but returned to winning ways in the G2 Prix Jean le Gonidec (2700m) in February. The trainer has a very high opinion of her. On best form, Green Grass could feature if finding the finish.
Gelati Cut
Gelati Cut has been in great order this year with four wins and three placings from nine runs. These victories have included the G2 Prix Jockey (2700m) qualifier, G2 Prix Robert Auvray (2850m) and the G2 Prix Ovide Moulinet (2700m) where he has had many of these re-opposing rivals behind him. Gelati Cut rates highly in current form.
Gunilla d'Atout
Apart from a poor effort in the G2 Prix Jockey (2700m) last start, Gunilla d'Atout has been consistent throughout her career with ten wins and a placing from fifteen attempts. She won both the G1 Critérium des 3ans in 2019 and G1 Critérium des 4 Ans (2850m) last year. Excuses can be made for her below-par performance in the G2 Prix Jockey (2700m) as it was her first start in over a year. Could land the hattrick of the three Classic generational Critériums.
Giant Chief
Giant Chief has done well since stepping up into Group company, taking advantage of the top horses' absence to record a win in the G3 Prix de Grasse (2850m) and a second in the G2 Prix Louis Jariel (2175m). He struggled in the G2 Prix Jockey (2700m) last start but is better than that result would suggest.
Ganay de Banville
Ganay de Banville recorded three consecutive wins between June and August, including the G2 Prix Louis Jariel (2175m) at Vincennes, a qualifier for this contest. He was not disgraced when sixth in the G2 Prix Jockey (2700m) and should be an each-way chance.
Go On Boy
Go On Boy beat his elder counterparts in the G2 Prix Washington (1609m) including Italian speedster Vivid Wise As and G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique second Davidson du Pont. That form would put him in the mix.
Gala Téjy
Gala Téjy has been racing consistently at this level without breaking through for a success. Despite only managing four victories in forty starts, he has run well in Group company including a third in the G3 Prix Henri Levesque (2175m) where he took advantage of the leading contenders failing to complete. He could sneak into the frame if everything falls into place.
