After an exquisite winter meeting, followed by a three-week’s pause, Vincennes has shaken itself down and is back up and running this weekend, with Saturday’s 9-race offering featuring the Prix du Bois de Vincennes for 4yo and up. With the likes of Ampia Mede Sm, Cleangame and Aubrion Du Gers on its recent list of winners, this 2850m Group 3 has proved an excellent way-point en route to the spring showpieces.

Emeraude De Bais may not have won since late last November but she has performed admirably in top-flight company this winter and her recent Critérium de Vitesse performance augurs well for her prospects. Horsy Dream is the obvious worry for the Goetz team. Back on track following some health issues, he impressed in the Gr.3 Prix du Plateau de Gravelle, when shod, and with hind shoes off this time, will have his chances. 

While the Italian Desiderio d’Esi has much less experience in comparison, he has shown a bucket-load of talent, notably a Critérium Continental 4th and latterly 3rd in the Plateau de Gravelle, it will not be long before he breaks through against older horses. If Gamay De L’Iton’s recent Croisé-Laroche victory is anything to go by, he will be no soft touch, especially considering his excellent record over 2850m.

A dream to watch in the GNT series all through 2023, Gaspar D’Angis has not won since the Gr.2 Final in early-December, but he reassured behind Horsy Dream earlier in the month and will appreciate a return to this trip. Stablemate Epsom D’Herfraie spent the best part of 18 months in the doldrums but is most evidently back at his best and a repeat of last month’s Cagnes Gr.3 performance would see him finish in the mix.