Prix Ténor de Baune: förhandstankar inför kvalet

On Sunday, December 21, the five-year-olds line up chasing a direct ticket to the race everyone wants to be part of once in their lifetime. An international field gathers for the Prix Ténor de Baune.

This age-restricted qualifier offers the winner a direct place in the Grand Prix d’Amérique on January 25. Run over 2700 metres with a turning start, the race puts immediate focus on positioning and tactical choices. In recent history, Idao de Tillard and Readly Express both completed the Prix Ténor de Baune–Prix d’Amérique double.

We’ll look through the field and comment on all participants.

Favorites

Fame and Glory

Was absolutely exceptional in his debut race at Vincennes. A break of over 400 days didn’t matter much for Calgary Games’ half-brother. The horse made his seasonal debut in the Prix Doynel de Saint-Quentin on November 29, a race often used as preparation for the Prix Ténor de Baune. He showed that the turning start isn’t a problem, and quickly took the lead. After a late break by Koctel du Dain, who had taken over the lead early on, Fame and Glory sprinted to victory in 1’12’’5 over 2850m.

Björn Goop, who has driven him in all of his career starts, mentioned earlier in a 2024 interview: “He has always been good and has always improved. He is big, strong, and tough. His strength and his attitude make him a complete racehorse, he doesn't have any bad sides.”

Fame and Glory looks to step into the footsteps of Readly Express, who was also trained and driven by the same duo, Timo Nurmos and Björn Goop. He belongs to the favourites here. Starting barefoot and with a green emoji.

Koctel du Dain

Koctel du Dain made an unusual gallop in the Prix Doynel de Saint-Quentin, as it was only his fourth mistake in his entire career. Although he looked promising throughout the race, he made a break going into the final straight. Knowing his ability to bounce back, he once again belongs to the favourites in this field. Consistent over the distance, he will most likely aim to

make it a tough race again from the lead. From that position, he’s always in contention for the podium. Racing barefoot and with a green emoji.

Keep Going

Already earned his ticket with a second place in the Prix de Bourbonnais on December 12. The speed and strength are there, although he prefers to race from the back. Given he already has a ticket, the tactics in this race might be a bit unclear. Still, he seems to be working towards peak form, making it impossible to leave him out. Dangerous for anyone. The trainer often uses the yellow emoji, which doesn’t indicate anything.

Krack Time Atout

Returned to racing on November 16 in the Prix de Bretagne after a forced three-month break due to injury. The horse, who has won both the Critérium des 3 Ans and Critérium des 5 Ans, belonged to the top of his age class. After his injury, he seems to be struggling slightly with his gate. Even with a perfect trip in the Prix de Bourbonnais behind winner Inmarosa, he couldn’t find anything and dropped back into the pack. Despite inconsistent results, he remains dangerous, especially when able to use his closing speed.

Son of trainer Sebastien Guarato says: ‘’We worked him more seriously and he trained on the beach last week. He will be barefoot, as he was when he won the Critérium. He is capable of redeeming himself. ”

Challengers

Immortal Doc

Showed strength and strong mentality in the Prix Doynel de Saint-Quentin, battling in the death seat throughout the race and even fighting Fame and Glory in the final stages. He raced again a week later in the Prix du Bourbonnais, where he ran from the back and produced a fast finish in the final straight to finish seventh. He has proven that he can race from multiple positions and is one to be reckoned with.

The only question that remains: are three tough races in four weeks too much? The connections explain they don’t believe so: “ He has progressed very well and is better than last winter. He has stamina and speed. He showed that this summer in Sweden by winning the Åby Grand Prix and confirmed it this winter. The standing start remains his weak point. We've made a few changes and he should be better. Paul Ploquin can't drive him, but with Jean-Michel Bazire, we can be confident. He's capable of winning. ”

Jazzman

Appears without all irons for the first time. He was sensational in his last start on December 6 in the Prix Narquois, where he clocked 1’07’’7 over the last 500m to win over 2700m in 1’11’’7. He has met some of the contenders in this field before but is stepping up in class. He has shown the form needed and is an intriguing darkhorse.

Driver Alexandre Abrivard notes: ‘’He stretched out superbly to win the Prix Narquois, a race whose winners include many very good horses. The competition is tougher this Sunday, and we're taking a chance by running him barefoot for the first time. To hope for something good, you have to try! He worked well on Thursday morning, still in top form. He'll give it his all. Keep Going is my favorite.’’

King Opera

The consistent horse hasn’t finished outside the top five since June. He will be racing with all irons on, his preferred set-up. Struggles to battle for victory but remains an important factor on all tickets.

Executiv EK

Returned to France on November 6 with a third place in the Prix Marcel Laurent. He had already raced in the Prix Bold Eagle on January 25, finishing third in 1’11’’7 over 2700m. This horse delivers consistent performances in France and, although victory may be out of reach, is a clear contender for the placings.

Kanto Avis

Disappointed in his last start, with connections hoping for a return to form. Trainer Marc Sassier explains: “He arrived at Grosbois about ten days ago and it did him a world of good. He’s made significant progress in training. We’re now waiting for him to confirm his form and see the real Kanto Avis we once knew.” Driver Benjamin Rochard adds: “We expect to be in the top three.”

Epic Kronos

Returns to France after a gallop in the Prix de Bretagne on November 16. He traveled back to Sweden and raced at Solvalla on December 10 in the Gösta Nordins Lopp, where he won in 1’11’’7 over 2100m. Form looks decent. Trying a different set-up for the first time, with irons in front and no irons behind. An interesting change,

Connections point out: “He was too ‘light’ for his return to France in the ‘Bretagne’ and made a mistake. As initially planned, he went back to Sweden and won convincingly last week. That race did him a world of good. He arrived at Grosbois on Wednesday and worked with Daniel on Thursday. He was perfect. We’re leaving him with light front shoes. He’s capable of winning. That’s his goal.”

Outsiders

Ksar

Showed strong performances early in his career but seems to be struggling to stay in touch with the best of the generation. Often finishes just outside the podium, which also appears the expectation here.

Icebreaker

Debuted in France on November 22 with a third place. Got the perfect trip behind the leader but couldn’t quite finish it off. Meets tougher opposition here and will need a perfect race for a placing.

Charron

Strongly driven by Franck Nivard in his French debut on December 6, where he raced and finished well. A performance that suggested a bright future, but the task ahead comes against tougher opposition. Now partnered with another driver, Théo Duvaldestin, known from Mack de Blary and Je Te Cherche. Although a capable driver, Charron may miss Nivard’s experience here.

Owner Morten Langli states: “ He had a fever and had to withdraw from the Prix Marcel Laurent before taking a lighter run for a week. For his first race in France, he finished a very good third. If he had moved out first, he could have won. This race was perfect. He doesn't start very quickly on smaller tracks, but Vincennes suits him well. There's superb competition. A place in the top five would be fantastic. ”

Crown

Returned to France on December 11 in the Prix du Bourbonnais after racing in the Critérium Continental in 2024. He played no role in the Bourbonnais while racing from the back. Even if used as a preparation, he looks up against it here.

Kamehameha

Won a Grand National du Trot tour race on November 5, his first victory in almost three years. Finished sixth in the final at Vincennes. Has a decent finish in his legs but steps up in class here. Will be a difficult race.

Powwow

Finished third in the Yonkers International Trot on September 13 with an exceptional finish. Returns to racing here today. Knows Vincennes, as he raced here in 2024. Today with Gabriele Gelormini in the bike.

Maserati Hall

The first French race for the Frederik Wallin-trained horse. Dutchman Robin Bakker will do the honours today. Races against a different class in Sweden and struggles to find the podium. Starting here to discover Vincennes. An outsider here today.

Klinger

The Norwegian-trained horse has been racing in France throughout the year. Fairly inconsistent performances and meets the best for the first time here today. Participation came as a small surprise. The goal is to maintain fitness here today.