VINCENNES - 6th April
Trainer of the day : Laurent-Claude Abrivard (503, 704)
Jockey of the day : Yoann Lebourgeois (505, 602, 703)
Horse of the day : Diva de Carless (314)
Dark Horse : Comte du Vivier (208)
Race 1
1. CACHOU DE MALAC - Complicated trotter that rarely makes any mark under harness and is not about to change his ways
2. CASTELLO FABULET - Disappointing so far this year and can expect to have few friends here
3. CHILI DAIRPET - Modest type that seldom shows any aptitude for the harness code and not a realistic proposition
4. CACTUS JACK - Has just one race under his belt this term and will need the outing
5. CETUS DE TILOU - Won smartly at Cholet last time. Has Bazire in charge on this occasion but unlikely to repeat
6. CROONER MAZA - Useful but tends to show more in the other code and can be disregarded
7. CLICHE MESLOIS - Not the most reliable of trotters and despite his form is still not easy to support here
8. CODEX BOURBON - Complicated but not short of ability. Returned to winning ways at Bordeaux last time but faces a stiffer test here
9. CEDRE DES VAUCHAUX - Consistent for the most part but lost his way late season. Returns from a spell and not the easiest to back
10. COCO DU CIRE - Found his form at La Capelle last month. Incurs no penalty on this occasion and should figure prominently
11. COLONEL CEHERE - Handy on a good day but has done nothing of note at this level for some time and not an obvious choice
12. CYRUS DE CAYOLA - Won under these conditions during the autumn but out of the picture since and can be passed over
13. CHORISTE DU TRIO - Not the most reliable but has nothing to prove at this level and with hind shoes off this time looks a player
14. COPERNIC DE PLAY - Occasionally tricky but otherwise in cracking form. Finished second in a Class C recently and must be respected
15. COLORADO BLUE - Particularly solid in recent months. Gave a good account in an amateur event over track and trip ten days ago and should not be far off the mark here
16. COBRA AR CARAC - Hardy type that seldom disappoints. Won in style at Caen last time out and can again play an important role
17. CHTIOT DE BELLANDE - Appears to be back on track following some modest efforts. Finished close to (14) COPERNIC DE PLAY at Caen last time and will have his supporters
18. CAPITAL CHARM - Delicate sort that has never made his mark on the inner track. Encouraged last time out though and with Raffin in the sulky can be assured a competitive drive
Summary
It has taken (16) COBRA AR CARAC little to time to get back to the top of his game and the nature of his recent Caen victory augurs well for his chances once more. (13) CHORISTE DU TRIO put in two fine efforts here in February and with hind shoes off for the occasion should be able to give the favourite a run for his money. (10) COCO DU CIRE returned to winning ways last time and breaking from the front this time will do his prospects no disservice. (14) COPERNIC DE PLAY is firing on all cylinders at the moment and together with the in-form (15) COLORADO BLUE looks the best of the minor place chances.
Selections
(16) COBRA AR CARAC - (13) CHORISTE DU TRIO - (10) COCO DU CIRE - (14) COPERNIC DE PLAY - (15) COLORADO BLUE
Race 2
1. CYRIEL D'ATOM - Delicate but talented sort that finished runner-up to (7) COCKTAIL JULINO in the race of reference. Is proven at a better level and looks a serious player
2. ARMADA BUROISE - Beginning to show improvement. Fourth to (4) BENOIT ROYAL at Laval mid-March but still has more to find
3. BAHAMAS QUICK - Has considerable talent but temperamental and latest results do nothing to inspire confidence
4. BENOIT ROYAL - Currently in flying form with two wins from three. In better company here but worth noting all the same
5. BAMBINO DU PRE - Not the most reliable but gave a fine account in a Class C over course and distance last week and must be afforded respect
6. BARBARELLA - Handy on a good day but unraced since December and will need the outing
7. COCKTAIL JULINO - Tough sort that consistently gives his best. Won two of his last three and looks the pick of the field
8. COMTE DU VIVIER - Took little time getting back to his best. Highly impressive at Lisieux last time and should give another competitive account
9. BRASIL DE BAILLY - Has done nothing noteworthy since last autumn and can be passed over
10. BACHAR - A model of consistency over past two months. Up against some good horses here but can still pick up a cheque
11. BANCO DE L'ITON - Pleased in three of last four but with shoes on will face a significantly stiffer test this time
12. ANGEL HEART - Blows hot and cold and will need to improve on latest effort here in order to make any impact
13. AVALO MONTAVAL - A total disappointment for the past two years and and can be confidently disregarded
14. CICERO NOA - Currently enjoying a productive run of form. Third to (7) COCKTAIL JULINO on penultimate start and should again figure prominently
15. ARRIVAL DE GINAI - Got the year off to a positive start but unplaced in last two and must raise her game
16. CANDIDAT D'ORTIGE - Hardy type that consistently gives his best. Prepped well under the saddle and can play an important role
Summary
This looks a repeat of the Prix Leon Zitrone on 8 February where (7) COCKTAIL JULINO dominated following a short tussle. He since confirmed at Caen and again looks the horse to beat. He can nonetheless expect to encounter resistance from the delicate but talented (1) CYRIEL D'ATOM and the hardy (14) CICERO NOA who finished runner-up and third respectively to him in the race of reference. (16) CANDIDAT D'ORTIGE was demoted from fourth that day and if behaved can also get a look in. (10) BACHAR has turned a corner lately and could prove something of a spoiler.
Selections
(7) COCKTAIL JULINO - (1) CYRIEL D'ATOM - (14) CICERO NOA - (16) CANDIDAT D'ORTIGE - (10) BACHAR - (5) BAMBINO DU PRE - (8) COMTE DU VIVIER - (12) ANGEL HEART
Race 3
1. DOLLY DU QUESNE - Tough mare but has failed to fire in last two. Raffin at the helm this time but still not an obvious choice
2. DAME JENILOU - Hardy sort that beat her personal best when winning at Le Croise-Laroche late March. Front shoes off again and not to be underestimated
3. DIVA GIB - Fine servant that won her only start over course and distance but has not raced since October and others preferred this time
4. DAZZLE JET - Seldom wins but always gives her best. Is confirmed on the short course and should not be ignored
5. DWELLING HEIGHTS - Moderate sort that has not been seen out since December and will need the race
6. DIANE DE JANZE - Has enjoyed a good run this year. Won courageously at Laval mid-March and with front shoes off for the occasion should not be far off the mark
7. DAVINA DU PONT - Hardy sort that has already imposed over course and distance. Will be fully fit by now and is expected to put on a good show
8. DUNE DE L'AUNAY - Handy dual-purpose mare that gave a surprisingly good performance here last month and will not be available at 42-1 this time around
9. DELMONICA - Has been troubled by stride problems for much of the year so far and must get her house in order
10. DEESSE DU PLESSIS - Got back in the game here behind (8) DUNE DE L'AUNAY last month but still no more than a minor place chance
11. DATCHA - Useful sort that appreciates Vincennes. Has only once disappointed on the inner track and will have her supporters
12. DETONANTE VERITE - Boasts a good record under these conditions when unshod. Will be fully fit by now and must be respected
13. DISCOVA - Delicate but has significant ability. Failed to fire here ten days ago but is barefoot this time and should redeem herself
14. DIVA DE CARLESS - Superb campaigner when applied. Lost her action when flying at Cagnes last time but can make amends if she can stay in stride
Summary
The little (14) DIVA DE CARLESS seldom fails to produce the goods when applied - she would have gone close last time had she not faulted but if behaved can strike first time in Paris. (13) DISCOVA is not the most faithful of servants but her form is not in doubt and going barefoot this time will only increase her chances. (12) DETONANTE VERITE's recent record over course and distance is hard to fault and after careful preparation looks a serious player. (2) DAME JENILOU won nicely at Le Croise-Laroche and will also generate some interest.
Selections
(14) DIVA DE CARLESS - (13) DISCOVA - (12) DETONANTE VERITE - (2) DAME JENILOU
Race 4
1. ETAIN DE LARCY - Began his career well but subsequently lost his way and can expect to have few takers
2. EXIL D'ERABLE - Hardy type that opened his annual account with ease at Enghien late February and expected to give another competitive account
3. ESPOIR DE MADKER - Left a good impression on only appearance over course and distance but returns from a layoff and not a realistic proposition
4. ECLAIR DU MIREL - Moderate colt that reassured at Borely last week but will have too much to do here
5. EPILOBE DE BAILLY - Has done nothing but progress this year. Beat his personal best when winning at Caen last month and should have a good hand to play
6. ENDURO - Justifiably well-regarded sort but unraced since last summer and no chance on first start back
7. EL POPOF - Fine colt with a bright future but has not been seen out since November and will need the run
8. ENVOL SOMOLLI - Regular for the most part and has form at Vincennes. Was not disgraced at Bordeaux but still has more to find
9. ENJOY DU BOURG - Seldom lets the side down. Winner of his last two and with shoes off again could pull off the hat-trick
10. EASTON OF MY LIFE - Handy sort that is proven under these conditions. Unshod behind with Raffin in the sulky and must be respected
11. EANDEL SMILING - Delicate but not short of ability. Changes shoeing formula and with application can go far
12. ESPOIR DE TOUES - Undeniably talented colt but not currently at his most productive. Switches to the inner course and could well impose this time
Summary
(12) ESPOIR DE TOUES may have disappointed somewhat when well-backed on the outer course last time but changing to the flatter inner surface could be key to his rehabilitation. Failing that the responsibility will fall to the consistent (9) ENJOY DU BOURG who is unbeaten when barefoot. (10) EASTON OF MY LIFE has already won over track and trip and after prepping at Lyon is reunited with Raffin and should figure prominently. (2) EXIL D'ERABLE has won three of the last four races he has finished and must also be respected.
Selections
(12) ESPOIR DE TOUES - (9) ENJOY DU BOURG - (10) EASTON OF MY LIFE - (2) EXIL D'ERABLE
Race 5
1. DESIREE DU MAXFRAN - Complicated mare making just her second start since last autumn and unlikely to shake things up
2. DALIE DU CITRUS - Debuts in the discipline but form is not in doubt and with Mottier on board can be assured a competent ride
3. DESTINEE WINNER - Delicate mare but has bags of talent. Pleased on return despite the fault and on good behaviour can impose
4. DEESSE DE FOOT - Showed significant ability last season but currently off the boil and must make amends
5. DIVINE D'URZY - Can prove a handful but has talent in spades and can play an important role if she can get off on the right foot
6. DONZELLE D'EPONA - Reliability not her strong suit. Reassured somewhat at Caen last month but must find more
7. DEAUVILLA - Winner of three of last four including over course and distance and is not incapable of adding another to her tally
8. DEESSE DE JULLOU - Acquits herself well for the most part. Is proven at Vincennes and with hind shoes off this time must not be overlooked
9. DEESSE DU RELAIS - Regularly gives a good account of herself but a minor place chance at best
10. DES NUITS D'AMOUR - Not seen that often under the saddle but has good references and could trot into the money
Summary
It is often a question of all-or-nothing for the talented (3) DESTINEE WINNER. She still put on a good show despite being sanctioned on comeback at Reims and with application can win this. She will however be pitted against the reinvigorated (7) DEAUVILLA who has won three of her last four including under these conditions. (5) DIVINE D'URZY has fallen foul of the stewards in her last two ridden starts but when applied is very hard to knock. (10) DES NUITS D'AMOUR is no slouch either and returns to the discipline with legitimate ambition.
Selections
(3) DESTINEE WINNER - (7) DEAUVILLA - (5) DIVINE D'URZY - (10) DES NUITS D'AMOUR
Race 6
1. ELOVELY GIRL - Has looked a different horse since starting to race barefoot and the Raffin-factor cannot be ignored
2. EXCELLENCE DE FAEL - Blows hot and cold but comes here off the back of a fine Reims win and from the 2-spot looks dangerous
3. ELEGANCE EXPRESS - Moderate type that failed to make the grade in two since the break. Races unshod all four this time but still not easy to back
4. ENCORE A DEUX - Classy filly that scored three in a row before being sent for a break. Has no references going left-handed but if she turns can win this
5. EPEE DE L'EPINE - Unremarkable trotter with better form in the claiming division but has a decent spot in front and should not be entirely overlooked
6. ELLA DE GLATIGNE - Delicate but currently in flying form and with application will have her chances
7. EVA DU DERBY - Opened her account at La Capelle last month when unshod behind for the first time. Same formula and one to note
8. EPONA DE L'AUNAY - Consistently gives a good account of herself. Raced better at Caen than the result suggests and can play an important role
9. ELEE DE TEDD - Not the most productive of trotters but encouraged at Le Croise-Laroche recently. Drawn wide though and others preferred
10. EURASIA STAR - Moderate type that has shown more at a lower level and chances limited
11. ETOILE DE LAHAYE - Decent Belgian trotter making her Vincennes debut but can expect to have her work cut out
12. EBENE DE VOLCAN - Handy sort that has taken well to racing barefoot and in spite of the draw will have her followers
13. EVERCLEAR JET - Showed considerable ability last season. Unraced since mid-December and unlikely to be at peak fitness
14. ERA DEVAILLES - Still a maiden from 14 but not devoid of ability. Starts on the second line but front shoes off for the first time and should not be ignored
15. ESPERANCE GIRL - Pleases for the most part when applied but is badly drawn and a minor place chance at best
Summary
The beautifully-bred (4) ENCORE A DEUX finished last season with a hat-trick of victories and although unseen since she has the class to get right back in the game. She will not have it all her own way though given how well (2) EXCELLENCE DE FAEL imposed at Reims last week and with shoes off again looks a serious prospect. After a decent effort at Caen (8) EPONA DE L'AUNAY races unshod all four this time and despite the wide draw can still make a big impact. (6) ELLA DE GLATIGNE is enjoying a productive run and will not be far from the action provided she can keep her action together.
Selections
(4) ENCORE A DEUX - (2) EXCELLENCE DE FAEL - (8) EPONA DE L'AUNAY - (6) ELLA DE GLATIGNE
Race 7
1. EVITA BELLA - Has placed just once in 15 starts and even with Raffin on board will have her work cut out
2. ETOILE DE NUIT - Lightly-raced but has demonstrated very good aptitude and recent Caen performances bode well for her chances
3. ELEONORA D'EM - Not once out of the frame in this discipline and after a fine Lisieux win could well double up
4. EXCELLENCE CITRUS - Somewhat disappointing of late but has won here and with stride in check can play a major part
5. ENNEIGEE - Still a maiden from 13 but pleased in last two and will generate some interest
6. ELISA DE BOUTEAU - Delicate type but is not devoid of ability and can get a look in if she can keep her action together
7. EUROPA DE CHENU - Opened her annual account at Caen last month and although stepping up in class should still acquit herself competitively