Final leg of the Amérique Races PMU, the Gr.1 Prix de Paris will be run this Sunday (25 February) at its traditional home of Vincennes. Covering a gruelling 4150m, it not only offers a €400,000 prize fund, with $180,000 to the winner, but also brings with it considerable prestige. Last of nine events in the series, this Marathon Race is open to 4-11 year-olds and its long list of former winners includes Bélina Josselyn, Bold Eagle, Up And Quick and Ready Cash.

Ampia Mede SM triumphed 12 months ago after having won the 2100m Prix de France and is in with a realistic shout of pulling off the double. That said, she will be pitted against the steely Izoard Védaquais who makes his first appearance since the Prix d’Amérique. After winning the Prix de Belgique in mid-January, his trainer, Philippe Allaire, declared that his 6 year-old “will win the Prix de Paris”. Considered by many to be the toughest horse in the country, he has previously beaten Prix d’Amérique and Prix de France winner Idao De Tillard and looks every bit a match for Fabrice Souloy’s mare.

Runner-up in the Amérique before coming 5th a fortnight ago, the absence of Prix de France 1-2 will only enhance Hokkaido Jiel's prospects. Sanctioned early in the late-January showpiece, the usually consistent Hussard Du Landret acquitted himself well in the ‘B’ prep races and will be expected to more than make amends. Third in 2023,  Hooker Berry has a fine opportunity to get back in the game after an unexceptional winter. Winner in 2022, Diable De Vauvert has had the Prix de Paris on his agenda for some time and, while unlikely to bring home the spoils, he will still be competitive.

In the past, the Prix de Paris has sprung its fair share of surprises and, in this edition, It’s A Dollarmaker, Hip Hop Haufor and Fakir De Mahey are not to be underestimated.