14:15 Vincennes
Prix De Cornulier - Monte
Trotting
• 2699m
• €700,000
• 18
F
6 yrs
6h4h2m3-m3
3rd in Prix Bilibili before repeating behind GAZELLE DE VAL (5) in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados a fortnight ago, and is unlikely to be far off the mark
Ecurie Charles Dreux
F
6 yrs
6m2m3m4m2m1
Has shown a different side to herself this winter, most recently winning Gr.1 Prix Bilibili over course and distance mid-December. Shod as she was that day and even against older horses can hold her own
J Ph Izzo
C
7 yrs
5h3h6m2-m0
2nd in Prix Jules Lemonnier before enduring a tough trip, finishing last of 11 to GAZELLE DE VAL (5) in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados a fortnight ago. Is plainly better than that but may show the limit of his capacity this time
A Marion
F
6 yrs
1h0h0h2hDh8
8th of 12 in a 2700m harness Gr.1 here on 22 December. Makes first appearance under the saddle for 11 months and cannot be considered a contender
Ecurie Sebastien Guarato
F
9 yrs
0h4m1m1-m1
Undefeated in 7 starts under the saddle, most recently winning 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados in style 2 weeks ago. Faces a stiffer test this time but still has the wherewithal to secure the most coveted trophy in the business
E Lambertz
C
9 yrs
0h0h5h2h6m5
5th of 12, on return to the discipline, in a 2700m Gr.3 here 3 weeks ago, and is simply not up to the task
Mme Sandrine Loncke
F
9 yrs
Dm8m1m4m2m4
Unraced since coming 4th of 7 to IDEALE DU CHENE (17) in 2175m Gr.2 Prix Jules Lemonnier on 21 December. Last but one 12 months ago and a rank outsider once more
D Benchetrit
F
6 yrs
Dh1h1m2-m1
Close 2nd in Prix Bilibili prior to dominating 2700m Gr.3 Prix Laon Tacquet here a fortnight back and, in similar form, can make a big splash
Ecurie Vautors
C
6 yrs
0h6h9h0h4m4
4th in Prix Bilibili before running 9th of 15 in a 2850m Gr.2 harness conditioner here a week ago. Is an honest sort that always gives his best and while not a priority, he goes barefoot and will be worth monitoring
Ecurie Olivier Morel
F
7 yrs
6m5m2m6-mD
Quickly sanctioned in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados 2 weeks ago and will have nothing to contribute
Ecurie Karibou
C
8 yrs
8h0h0h7h2h5
3rd of 9 in a harness Gr.3 over course and distance last weekend. Has been showing his form and although short of monte experience, his quality is not in question
Ecurie Christian Bigeon
F
9 yrs
2m3h5h4h9m8
8th of 13 to GAZELLE DE VAL (5) in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados a fortnight ago. Capable on a good day but bites off more than she can chew this time
Ecurie Charles Dreux
F
7 yrs
0h0h0m5-m5
5th of 13 to GAZELLE DE VAL (5) when prepping for this in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados a fortnight ago. Ran 4th 12 months ago, is dynamic when barefoot, and will be expected to contest the finish
Ecurie Rib
C
6 yrs
6m2m4m5-m3
Ran 5th in Prix Bilibili before coming 3rd of 9 to JOUMBA DE GUEZ (8) in Gr.2 Prix Laon Tacquet over course and distance a fortnight back. Will have more to find though
Mme Sandrine Loncke
F
11 yrs
5m5m2m7-m2
2nd of 13 to GAZELLE DE VAL (5) in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados 2 weeks ago. Unplaced in last 2 editions but in present form is worth retaining for a minor place spot
Ecurie Marc Sassier
F
8 yrs
Dm6m6m6-m7
7th of 13 to GAZELLE DE VAL (5) when prepping for this in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados a fortnight ago. Came close to winning 12 months ago, is barefoot for the occasion, but others still preferred
Ecurie Rib
F
7 yrs
9h0m1m1-m6
6th of 13 to GAZELLE DE VAL (5) when prepping for this in 2850m Gr.2 Prix du Calvados a fortnight ago. 3rd in 2024 edition, can seldom be criticised, and Paul Ploquin could well pick up his first Cornulier
Mme Y Guedj
F
9 yrs
3m4h0m2m4m3
3rd of 7 to IDEALE DU CHENE (17) in 2175m Gr.2 Prix Jules Lemonnier a month ago. Has twice placed in the Cornulier, is clearly close to a big run, and must be afforded respect
M Gallier
Race Overview
Simply remarkable since being switched to the monte code after a few unexceptional years under harness, GAZELLE DE VAL (5) is being aimed higher than ever before, but considering the nature of her Prix du Calvados victory, this seems a very achievable goal. One of just 5 males in the field, HIP HOP HAUFOR (11) appears to be back in the game and has sufficiently good harness credentials to be considered a player. IDEALE DU CHENE (17) achieved both of her winter targets en route to the Cornulier and, barefoot this time, has a realistic claim on the title. Similarly-unshod, but for the first time since running 4th in last year's edition, INA DU RIB (13) must be taken seriously.
Selection:
5 - 11 - 17
