Vincennes plays host to four Group 2 events this Saturday, with a number of big names returning to the fray following a well-earned spell in the wake of intensive racing in the capital over the winter.

Kicking off proceedings is the Prix Gai Brillant which has gathered some of the best three year-old colts in the monté discipline. Winner of his first three under the saddle, Kifil De Bussy was denied a fourth success when held off by Kyt Kat in the Gr.2 Prix Félicien Gauvreau. They return to 2700m over the main course though, and the tables can turn. 

The 12-strong field of the Prix Hémine, the fillies’ equivalent, features many of the Gr.2 Prix Ali Hawas runners, a race won authoritatively by Kandora Bella. An early fault by the William Bigeon-trained Karlita left the door open that day, but Alexandre Abrivard is unlikely to let that happen again. Bigeon will also saddle the progressive Kyrielle who has done enough under harness to take her chances here.

Eight five year-old entires will fight it out over 2700m in the Prix Robert Auvray, and some may view this as an in-house clash. Sébastien Guarato sends out the Gr.2-winning Instrumentaliste, and outstanding Class B victor, It’s A Dollarmaker. Most eyes though will be on Critérium des 4 Ans champion, Italiano Vero, who ran the race of his life to finish third in the latest edition of the Prix d’Amérique.

The comparable mares’ event, Prix Henri Levesque, has drawn a baker’s dozen, with the Eric Raffin-driven Inoubliable, and recent Gr.1 Prix de Sélection third, Idylle Speed, looking set to do battle. It is by no means a given though, considering the presence of ultra-consistent Iroise De La Noe who finally gets her chance at an exalted level.