The monté code will be in the spotlight on Sunday at Vincennes with three Gr.1s on the programme, one for each of the 3, 4, and 5 year-old generations. Let’s take a quick look at the main protagonists.

The first two 3 year-old Gr.1s of the season were secured by the Thomas Levesque-trained Kyt Kat (Prix d’Essai) and Kandora Bella (Saint-Léger des Trotteurs) and, in the absence of the former, the Prix de Vincennes door has opened a little wider for his stablemate. That said, Kapaula de l’Epine, comes here off the back of two successive Gr.2 victories and will be ridden by Mathieu Mottier this time, Eric Raffin switching to Gr.2 Prix de Basly winner, Kaya Dream. Others worth noting include Kyrielle, who has already shown her monté potential, and a revitalised Karla De Mai.

The Prix Jag de Bellouet represents the first qualifier for next month’s prestigious Prix de Cornulier [21 January 2024] and is restricted to 4 year-olds. Enjoying something of a renaissance since switching stables, Je M’Envole has swept all before him since the summer, notably winning the Gr.1 Prix des Elites in which he beat Jean Balthazar whom he will meet again on Sunday. Jadrius de Guez has progressed superbly this year and is not without his chances. Only the winner secures a berth.

Last year’s Jag de Bellouet winner, Idéale du Chêne, attempts to complete the double in the second qualifier, the Prix Bilibili, and her recent Gr.2 Prix Joseph Lafosse success stands her in good stead. Runner-up that day, Ina Du Rib will be competitive for the golden ticket, as will It's a Dollarmaker who returns to the code under Eric Raffin. Impressionist and Ibiki de Houelle are worth retaining.