Big fight day in Paris

Paris-Vincennes, Saturday, 3 September: The qualifiers for the Critérium for three-, four- and five-year-olds are up for decision today in Vincennes.

The five-year-olds will have their turn in the Prix Jockey (3rd race/15.15/120,000 Euro/2700 m). Hohneck (Francois Lagadeuc) is the measure of things after his victory in the Prix Louis Jariel (Group 2), but Happy Valley (Jean-Philippe Dubois) and Heraut d`Armes (Jean-Michel Bazire), who follow close behind, are strong enough for a reversal of form.

The Prix Jacques de Vauloge (4th race/15.50/120,000 Euro/2700 m) appeals to the three-year-old stallions. Here, too, Philippe Allaire with Just A Gigolo (Franck Nivard) and Joyner Sport (Alexandre Abrivard) is the favourite. With J`Aime le Foot (David Thomain) he has another strong contender at the start.

In the mares` Prix Annick Dreux (5th race/16.25/130,000 Euro/2700 m), Jamaica Turbo (Franck Nivard), winner of the Prix Reine du Corta (Group 2), grants revenge to the losing Janka Somolli (Mathieu Abrivard), Jazzy Perrine (Eric Raffin) and Joke (Gabriele Gelormini). Juliet Papa Bravo (Clement Duvaldestin) and Joie Totale (Jean-Philippe Dubois), who are competing with fresh wins, appear interesting.

Ten mares will contest the Prix Gaston de Wazieres (6th race/17.00/120.000 Euro/2700 m). Once again, the path to victory leads via Inoubliable (Eric Raffin), who had a clear advantage in the Prix Leguerney (Group 2) against Idylle Speed (Franck Nivard), Icone de Castelle (Alexandre Abrivard) and Inmarosa (Leo Abrivard).

In the stallions division - Prix Gaston Brunet (8th race/18.10/120,000 Euro/2700 m) - Idao de Tillard (Clement Duvaldestin) should be able to repeat his victory in the Prix Phaeton (Group 2). The underperforming Italiano Vero (David Thomain) and Izoard Vedaquais (Eric Raffin) are to be rated stronger again over longer distances.