The toughest mile race on the French calendar, the Critérium de Vitesse de la Côte d’Azur is also the only 1600m race carrying Group 1 status. That notwithstanding, its list of recent past winners stretches from Moni Maker and Varenne, to Timoko, Bold Eagle, Readly Express and Vivid Wise As. Habitually separating the wheat from the chaff, the Critérium at Cagnes-sur-Mer is the richest race on the Riviera and is not going to disappoint.

Go On Boy stands out more than others. One of the high notes of the winter meeting, his Prix de Belgique performance was astonishing despite a shocking draw. The Prix d’Amérique did not unfold as hoped but the 8yo still managed to finish 4th, covering the last 500m in 1”09”7. More misfortune in the Prix de France when 2nd despite a broken wheel. But he loves Cagnes and, 2nd in Elitloppet, he will have no issue with the distance.

Only 9th in the Amérique and 6th in the Prix de France, one still cannot ignore that Vivid Wise As has won this three times (2020, 2021, and 2023) and in 2022 when 2nd, he missed out by just a head to Etonnant. Inmarosa is not known for her short-distance prowess but her last 500m in the Prix de Paris [2nd] were sublime. She will appreciate Cagnes conditions and if Léo Abrivard keeps her out of trouble, her place is on the podium.

Outside chances include recent Prix de France 4th, Emeraude De Bais, who has held her own in top-flight company, notably when 2nd in the Prix de Bourgogne, beating Hussard Du Landret who subsequently went on to win the Prix de Paris. Hooker Berry? He would not be here if Jean-Michel Bazire were not confident of a big performance.