Kick-off of the spring meeting in Vincennes

Paris-Vincennes, Friday, March 25: Only briefly lasted the break in Vincennes, where the spring meeting begins today with an evening card around two Group 2 races for three-year-old saddle trotters.

Among the nine stallions competing in the Prix Felicien Gauvreau (5th race/20.50pm/120,000 euros/2200m), less than half have already won a race. Joker Batman (Damien Bonne) was convincing here in a `D` ride as a highly superior winner over Jackpot du Choquel (Paul Philippe Ploquin), who could thoroughly please smoothly. The Bonne protégé faces arguably his fiercest opponent Jaspers Turgot (David Thomain), who was in a class of his own in the Prix Edouard Marcillac (Group 3). Jelyson (Yoann Lebourgeois) and Jasper des Pres (Guillaume Martin) had secured the better places far back. Jubile Prior (Aurelioen Desmarres) is a newcomer in the saddle-metier and judging by the sulky performances shown so far first choice. Jolly Roger (Adrien Lamy) did nothing wrong against Juby de Bailly (Mathieu Mottier) at `B` level in January.

Among the fillies in the Prix Ali Hawas (7th race/21:44pm/120,000 euros/2200m), the immensely consistent Junon du Leard (Paul Philippe Ploquin) stands out. Five starts, four wins and one place of honor is the flawless record of the three-year-old, who recently crossed the finish line far ahead of the rest in the Prix Holly du Locton (Group 3). Jipsy du Noyer (Alexandre Abrivard) still followed her to some extent, then a larger gap gaped to Julia de la Noe (Eric Raffin), Josefine de Bailly (Guillaume Martin) and Judy Blue Eyes (Adrien Lamy). Jamaica (Benoit Rochard) has a spotless record. The Monclin mare currently won a `D` ride against Javanette (Delphine Beaufils Ernault), before that she triumphed in front of the sulky. Joyeuse (Mathieu Mottier) makes her saddle debut and immediately appears interesting.