With all bar one of the qualifying races having been run, the shape of the Prix d’Amérique field is close to complete, however the result of Sunday’s 2850m Prix de Belgique may not just have an important impact on the line-up, but could well determine the late-January showpiece’s outcome. With three berths still up for grabs, there is, to nobody’s surprise, a full field, with all 18 starting on the same line.

To the relief of Philippe Allaire, Amérique favourite Idao De Tillard will not be running, leaving Izoard Védaquais to assume the rôle of preferred choice, having run Thierry Duvaldestin’s charge close in the Ténor de Baune on Christmas Eve. Allaire will also be represented by Elitlopp winner, Hohneck who, with pads on, is just out for a run, and Italiano Vero, who is similarly being conditioned.

Go On Boy was superb during the autumn before encountering all sorts of woes in the Bourgogne, but can nevertheless set the record straight. Hokkaido Jiel was also very unlucky that day and David Thomain will be out to put things right. Jean-Michel Bazire has had high hopes for Ganay De Banville since his return from a long absence and he could well be rewarded with a first-3 finish.

Inmarosa belied her odds to trot 3rd in the Ténor de Baune and will garner considerably more support this time. Hussard De Landret qualified in November with Bretagne success, but trainer Benoît Robin still insisted his 6 year-old would be given every chance, something he confirmed in the Bourgogne a fortnight ago.

The four ‘B’ qualifiers are notorious for throwing up the occasional bombshell, and the Prix de Belgique is no exception. One thing is sure, Benjamin Rochard will be keeping an eagle eye on JMB.