HÄST FÖR HÄST
Prix de France körs över 2 100 meter autostart och vinnaren belönas med 180 000 euro.
Loppet startar klockan 15:15!
- Francesco Zet - Benjamin Rochard
Snabbaste avslutaren i Prix d'Amérique. Efter otursamt lopp på innern och efter blivit nedputtad från sin position avslutade han sista 500 meterna på 1.09,0.
Han söker givetvis revansch här. Ingen tvekan om att han är kapabel och talangfull, men ännu har vi inte fått se det på resultattavlan på Vincennes. Spår 1 bakom bilen är hans bästa spår för att visa vad han går för.
Anders Malmrot inför loppet;
"Prix de France passar honom bättre över en distans som är perfekt för honom. Han har tränat bra på Grosbois och från spår 1 blir vi inte instängda. Distansen är mer gynnad för honom än för Epic Kronos" - Inmarosa - Léo Abrivard
Stoet har gjort ett av sina bästa vintermeeting den här säsongen och vunnit Prix du Bourbonnais och slutat trea i Prix de Bourgogne. Hon är normalt en raket bakom bilen och kan göra det svårt för sina konkurrenter. Kretsen tror dock inte hon är i samma form som tidigare;
"Hon är troligen inte riktigt lika vass nu som i början av meetinget. Vi tar det lugnt och spår 2 är perfekt för det. Hon kommer få bli trött här så vi får se på söndag. Hon kommer inte starta i Prix de Paris" - Iguski Sautonne - Matthieu Abrivard
Startade inte i Prix d'Amérique för kretsen ansåg att han skulle få det svårt där, speciellt med voltstartens kaos. Är i fantastisk form och i Prix de Cornulier visade han sin mentala styrka. Har en otrolig speed och borde få fin position från spår 3. - Epic Kronos - Alexandre Abrivard
Blir bara starkare, både fysiskt och mentalt och visat sin klass i Frankrike. Vann Europaderbyt över 2 100 meter år 2024 trots dödens majoriteten av loppet. Han föredrar egentligen lite längre distanser, men detta kommer passa honom bra.
"Presterade inte i Prix d'Amérique som han gjorde i Prix Ténor de Baune. Han behövde återhämta sig lite extra efter Prix d'Amérique och tränade lätt förra veckan. Såg bra ut i torsdags men det är fördel Francesco Zet" - Go On Boy - Romain Derieux
Bara gjort två lopp efter comebacken i december. Fick ett tufft lopp i Prix d'Amérique och kördes barfota för första gången på nästan ett år så galoppen var inte helt oväntad. Nu körs han med skor runt om och kapable tioåringen är redo att studsa tillbaka! - Hokkaido Jiel - Franck Nivard
Prix d'Amérique-vinnare som trivs att gå i ryggar så spår 6 är helt okej. Formen är verkligen på topp! - Keep Going - Mathieu Mottier
Likt Francesco Zet hade han otur i Prix d'Amérique. Trivs i ryggar så utgångsläget är verkligen inte katastrof. Mottier hälsar att hästen gillar distansen och det behöver klaffa i loppet för att ha någon chans. - Executiv EK - Alessandro Gocciadoro
Prix du Luxembourg-vinnaren som här återgår till sin bästa balans. Varit strålande i vinter och tagit tre raka pallplatser. Möter nu yppersta eliten för första gången. - Josh Power - David Thomain
Åter dragit ett dåligt spår som i Prix de Bourgogne. Ordinarie kusken är avstängd, men Thomain är en bra ersättare. Behöver klaff över 2 100 meter då han tidigare inte varit som bäst över distansen. Kapaciteten är däremot enorm - trots allt tvåa i Prix d'Amérique! - Iroise de la Noé - Thomas Levesque
Starka Prix de Belgique-vinnaren fick aldrig chansen i Prix d'Amérique efter tidig galopp. Distansen här är kortare än vad hon föredrar och uppgiften ser tuff ut. Levesque hoppas främst på platsplacering. - Idole d'Ourville - Robin Lamy
Har en bra avslutning men hans personliga rekord gör ingen hoppfull mot detta motståndet. Outsider. - Rikita JP - Corentin Delbecq
Formstarkt sto som inte fick chansen i Prix Helen Johansson. Visat att hon klarar 2 100 meter och hon är riktigt snabb av sig. Debuterar i den här klassen. - Icebreaker - Gabriele Gelormini
Mestadels haft otur på Vincennes som möjligen kan vara aktuell för pengaplacering.
The second race in the Triple Crown, and of course the first possibility to get revanche after the
Prix d’Amérique. With the entire podium present, it promises to be a spectacle in an open Prix de France.
With four international starters, the question remains if Prix du Luxembourg winner Executiv EK will be able to step up his game and into the footsteps of Ampia Mede SM, the last Italian to win this race in 2023. Or if one of the three Swedish representatives will follow Readly Express, who won in 2018. Still, the threat is large from the national starters, and it may as well stay at home.
The race is run over 2100m, starting from behind the gate. In this edition it might be even more important. Even though, especially compared to the Prix d’Amérique, it’s a significantly smaller field, the quality is high.
1. Francesco Zet – Benjamin Rochard
The fastest finisher in the Prix d’Amérique. After getting an unlucky trip on the inside and getting shuffled back off the pace, he raced the last 500m in 1’09’’0 to finish eighth. Will be looking for redemption here. He raced over 2100m at Vincennes once before, but in that race he faded back in the latter stages. While it’s clear the horse is capable and talented, the results don’t speak for it yet at Vincennes. With number 1 behind the gate this is his best shot to show what he’s made of.
Manager of trainer Daniel Redén, Anders Malmrot, speaks on the horse:
‘’He had some bad luck in the Prix d'Amérique, dropping back on the rail before coming back to finish very strongly. The Prix de France is somewhat his kind of race, over a distance that suits him perfectly. He's been working very well at Grosbois. We have post position 1. We're not going to be boxed in this time. We have a preference for him over this course, compared to Epic Kronos.”
2. Inmarosa – Léo Abrivard
The mare has had one of her best winter seasons so far at Vincennes, with a victory in the Prix du Bourbonnais and a third place in the Prix de Bourgogne. Unfortunately she got a difficult trip in the Prix d’Amérique and couldn’t bring it home. Normally, the mare is a rocket behind the starting gate, making it difficult for horses around her at the start. This year might be a little different, according to the connections: “She's probably not quite as sharp as she was at the start of the meeting. We'll take it easy. Post position 2 is ideal for that. She's allowed to be a little tired. We'll see on Sunday. She won't be running in the Prix de Paris afterwards.”
3. Iguski Sautonne – Matthieu Abrivard
The Prix de Cornulier winner returns to his usual discipline. The horse didn’t start in the Prix d’Amérique as the connections believed he would be out of his depth, especially with the chaos during the turning start. Iguski Sautonne is in excellent shape and his finish in the Prix de Cornulier (only his second monté race ever) showed his mental capacity. He possesses incredible speed. With number three he’ll be able to get a nice position to race from. A favorite. Matthieu Abrivard, his trainer and driver, is confident:
“At the start of the meeting, I focused his preparation on the Cornulier, and winning that race was obviously magical. Returning to the sulky won't bother him, especially since he particularly enjoys the 2100m. Over this distance, he won the Atlantique and finished third in the Prix René Ballière in 1'09''. His starting position is favorable, and everything seems to be in place for him to play a leading role.”
4. Epic Kronos – Alexandre Abrivard
Has proven himself in France, especially after his incredible third place in the Prix d’Amérique.
The horse seems to keep getting stronger, both physically and mentally. He won the Grand Prix de l’U.E.T. over 2100m in 2024 at Vincennes, racing from the death seat but still controlling it..
He seems to prefer the longer distances slightly, as he can use his power the most, but it shouldn’t be a problem for the horse.
Epic Kronos has switched drivers as Paul Ploquin is not able to drive after breaking his collarbone. He will now be partnered with Alexandre Abrivard, who’s in excellent form.
Connections speak on the horse: “Shod in front (note: his usual set-up. Tested barefoot but he made a break) on a slightly muddy track in the Prix d'Amérique, he didn't perform as well as in the Ténor de Baune. He had the trip to win. He needed a little more time to recover from the Prix d'Amérique and only did light work last week. On Thursday morning, during a workout with Daniel, he looked very good. On this course, we prefer Francesco Zet.”
5. Go On Boy – Romain Derieux
Has only done two and a half races since getting back in December after a six-month break. In early January, the stable of Romain Derieux was hit by a virus, making it impossible for Go On Boy to run in Prix de Belgique on January 11. His preparation towards the Prix d’Amérique was less than optimal. With both a tough race, getting attacked by Josh Power, and racing barefoot for the first time since February 2025, the break wasn’t completely unexpected. He returns here with full irons on. The 10-year-old is fully capable of bouncing back and expected to do so.
His trainer is counting on him:
“In the Prix d'Amérique, he lacked preparation after being ill and lost his rhythm, finishing from fatigue. This race did him good. Knowing that the Vincennes track is currently quite firm, I prefer to leave him with his usual shoes. He won the Elitloppet and trotted 1'08''8 in the René Ballière in this configuration. He excels on this course. I'm counting on him.”
6. Hokkaido Jiel – Franck Nivard
The champion who will defend his name. The driver change that occurred before the Prix d’Amérique paid off to its maximum result. Franck Nivard will drive again here and with Hokkaido Jiel liking to race from within the pack, number 6 suits him well. There is nothing to be said about his form and capabilities. His trainer Jean-Luc Dersoir says: “He has recovered very well from his victory in the Prix d'Amérique. I worked him on the beach on Monday and Thursday. He was very cheerful and energetic, and as good as before the Prix d'Amérique. He particularly likes this course and, in fact, won the 2023 Prix René Ballière in 1'09''1. He will obviously need a good trip, but he still has a good chance.”
7. Keep Going – Mathieu Mottier
Besides Francesco Zet, the unlucky runner in the Prix d’Amérique, getting shuffled back and suddenly without a shot at revival. Still, the horse prefers to race from within the pack. The number shouldn’t directly be a problem. Trainer and driver Mathieu Mottier explains: “In the Prix d'Amérique, he was constantly being overtaken by a tiring rival on the uphill stretch.
The outcome was clear. He therefore didn't have a hard race and comes into this Prix de France in very good physical condition. He likes this distance but has drawn a slightly outside post position. Everything will have to go his way, but he has a good chance, like many others.”
8. Executiv EK – Alessandro Gocciadoro
The Prix de Luxembourg winner after an excellent sprint in the last straight. Ran on a different set-up than usual (irons behind instead of barefoot) but returns to his usual set-up here.
Executiv EK has been absolutely phenomenal this winter season, with three races in big races and three podium places. He meets the elite (outside the age-restricted races) for the first time here, which will ask him to step up his level.
The connections speak of him:
“He narrowly won the Prix du Luxembourg but wasn't tested by that race. He's up against the best again, and it will be tougher. Plus, we have an outside draw. He's shown very good form in training this week. He'll need some luck to be in contention for the top spots, but he's capable of placing.”
9. Josh Power – David Thomain
Again loses the draw, and will have to leave from the outside like he did in the Prix de Bourgogne (qualifying race over 2100m). His usual driver, Sébastien Ernault, has been suspended after whip use in the Prix d’Amérique, resulting in the switch to David Thomain. This shouldn’t be a problem for the honest horse, but he’ll have to get lucky with how the race unfolds. Hasn’t shown a performance over 2100m that can be used as reference in a long time. His last result in the placings was on December 24, 2023, when he finished second in the Critérium Continental in 1’09’’9 (post 8). That he’s capable and strong is out of the question. If one horse can push and get the maximum result, it is the runner-up in the Prix d’Amérique. An absolute challenger.
His trainer, Sébastien Ernault, tells more:
“He seems to have recovered perfectly from his Prix d'Amérique. He's cheerful, supple, and looks very fresh. Unfortunately, he has the number 9. At this level, that's definitely a handicap given the competition on the inside. It's difficult to make plans beforehand. We race to win, but with the number 9, it's not ideal. David Thomain will do his best.”
10. Iroise de la Noé – Thomas Levesque
The strong winner of the Prix de Belgique didn’t get an opportunity to run in the Prix d’Amérique, after breaking stride after only 100m. As she excels over the longer distances this will be a tough task. Trainer Thomas Levesque speaks on the mare:
“She quickly made a break in the Prix d’Amérique while she was perfect. She had made a very good impression over 2100m in the Prix de Bourgogne at the end of December. She drew post position 10, the only number I didn't want. She will struggle to keep up with Francesco Zet at the start and will find herself trapped. It is therefore best to consider her only for a place finish.”
11. Idole d’Ourville – Robin Lamy
A far outsider, but she is able to finish fast in the closing stages. With a personal best of 1’10’’7 over 2100m she seems out of contention, but with the right trip she could be rewarded, which is what connections hope for: “In the Prix Helen Johansson, she quickly found herself at the rear and the three-wide line didn't form. As a result, she couldn't get a tow and finished with plenty of energy. She doesn't have many 2100m races left and, as the field has thinned out, we're taking a chance. Her form is solid, but she faces stiff competition from several rivals. I'd be delighted with fifth place.”
12. Rikita JP – Corentin Delbecq
The mare in form didn’t get a chance to run in the Prix Helen Johansson. She seems in great shape, with a second place and a victory in the last two months. A 1’10’’3 over 2100m on January 1 confirms she belongs here, even though she hasn’t run against horses like this before.
In the same race she showed excellent turn of foot. Connections say:
“As is customary, she didn’t run in the Prix Helen Johansson. She started behind a prominent competitor, but the latter got off to a slow start and led to our downfall. She could have run in the Prix de Rouen, but I preferred to entrust her to my right-hand man, Corentin, in this prestigious race as a token of appreciation. Fifth place would fully satisfy us.”
13. Icebreaker – Gabriele Gelormini
Has been somewhat unlucky in his races at Vincennes but still shows form throughout. Has raced against similar horses in the Prix de Bourgogne and seems to be up for the task. A podium seems out of reach, but he’s capable of battling for the places.
Trainer Mattias Djuse on his horse: “He was really unlucky in the Prix Jean-René Gougeon, being boxed in on the rail with his number 1 draw. It's definitely a race to forget. He ran with the best in the Prix de Bourgogne at the end of December. I preferred that race to the Prix de Munich the day before. He won't have an easy time of it from the second row, but he's in really good form and will be aiming for a minor placing.”
