While most of this weekend’s attention will be focused on Sunday’s Prix de Belgique, Vincennes nevertheless stages a high-quality card the day before, showcased by a Gr.2 and a brace of Gr.3 events.

Highlight of the afternoon, the 2850m Gr.2 Prix de Croix stars the remarkable Jushua Tree who booked his ticket for the Prix d’Amérique when securing the Gr.1 Critérium Continental on Christmas Eve. Jean-Michel Bazire has, however, indicated his 5 year-old will instead be aimed at the Gr.1 Prix Bold Eagle on 27 January. This Saturday he will nonetheless be up against Just A Gigolo, who excelled on his only start over the distance, and Swedish Derby winner, Joviality.

Covering 2700m, the Gr.3 Prix de Forez has attracted 13 older horses and, sensational over the classic distance, Happy Valley will take some beating. She will be opposed by Fakir De Mahey who came close to winning the Gr.3 Prix Jean Dumouch on his return to Paris, while GNT series runner-up, Horace Du Goutier is shod to preference this time. Twice a Group winner during the autumn, Gaspar De Brion is not incapable of picking up his first of the New Year.

For 4 year-old colts and geldings, and similarly run over 2700m, the Prix Bellino II looks a particularly competitive affair, in part down to the field now permitted to race unshod. As a result, a surprise cannot be ruled out, but Kool And The Gang still looks the one to beat, considering the nature of his Gr.3 Prix de Château-Thierry victory. Surprise 2nd in the Gr.3 Prix de Mansle, Ernest Jet will attract a lot of attention this time, as will Brothers In Arms and Kaporal Des Forges, who followed him in.