Group 3 meeting in Vincennes

Paris-Vincennes, Wednesday 18 May: The first Group 3 race of today`s event at Vincennes is aimed at seven-year-old and older European horses. In the Prix du Gatinais (1st race/13.50/90.000 Euro/2850 m) the way to victory leads over Diablo de Caponet (Alexandre Abrivard) who won the Prix Aletheia (Course A). Decoloration (Gabriele Gelormini) will give him nothing. The mare last challenged the Italian serial winner Ampia Mede Sm in the Prix du Treport (Course A) and brought her to the brink of defeat. Victor Ferm (Christophe Martens) also cut a good figure not far back. Eleven days ago, he finished fifth in a `B` race behind Fine Colline (Matthieu Abrivard), who is one of the closest favourites along with the strong-running but unsafe Epsom d`Herfraie (Eric Raffin).

The Prix du Perreux (5th race/16.10pm/90,000 Euro/2700m) is a yearling comparison between five and six-year-old EU horses. In the winter meeting, Goeland d`Haufor (Charles Julien Bigeon) won a similar match and also ran not badly after a short break in the Prix d`Aubusson (Course C) as fifth ahead of Armour As (Nicolas Bazire). The latter pleased in the Prix Bettina (Course D) in second place ahead of Alcide Roc (Matthieu Abrivard). Hades de Vandel (Robin Bakker) took a break since finishing third in the Prix de Mirande (Group 1) in January. The Hagoort protégé is expected back fully prepared. Haribo du Loisir (Leo Abrivard) hit it too hard at Group 2 level, today`s task seems more suitable. M.T. Oscar (Adrien Lamy) should play a supporting role if he runs faultlessly.