Run without penalties, the valuable Gr.2 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère makes for a thrilling contest this Saturday at Enghien. Winner of three of the last five editions, Jean-Michel Bazire sends out three of the ten runners, but most eyes will be turned to Timoko’s son, Etonnant.

Now aged 9, Richard Westerink’s star simply appears to get better. Already a Gr.1 winner at the venue earlier in the year, Etonnant has since finished 5th in Elitloppet, won the Gr.1 Kymi Grand Prix, and just two weeks ago romped home to win the Gr.2 Prix de Washington. 

Off level terms it is hard to see him being bested, however Thierry Duvaldestin’s nordic import, Oracle Tile, must have a reasonable shot, given how well he comported himself in the Gr.1 Prix René Ballière last month. Untried at Enghien, he should nevertheless be unfazed by the new conditions and acquit himself competitively.

Of the trio of Bazire-trained runners, it is Elie De Beaufour who will draw the most of the attention. Now back on track following a tough start to the season, the 9 year-old appears close to his race and hopes are high that he can improve on his 3rd place in 2022. Stablemate Brand Roc is not made of the same stuff but he has just completed a hat-trick of victories and, if not solely in for tactical reasons, will be worth monitoring.

Tomas Malmqvist’s Eric The Eel has turned a corner over recent months. As versatile and as dependable as one could hope for, the relative youngster opened his Enghien account three months ago and returns to the track off the back of Gr.1 and Gr.2 successes respectively. Another worth retaining is Charles Cuiller’s tough Elvis Du Vallon who has put in some good performances lately.