Prix de Cornulier
The most prestigious monté race in the world
On January 19th the 92th edition of the Prix de Cornulier will be held at the 'Holy Grail':
Hippodrome de Vincennes.
It's an honor to start in one of the biggest races of the year, but every single contestant is still aiming high. They're all in it to win it.
Below I'll share my insights, knowledge and thoughts about this prestigious race and who might snatch that trophy at the finishline.
We'll go through the field, based on post numbers.
One thing is for certain: This years edition is wide open and could be one of the most interesting races in recent years.
For additional information, please check the racecard
Jasmine de Vau - G. Lenain
Has been progressing nicely throughout 2024. Made her monté debut in the 'Prix Bilibili' (2700m) on December 15th. Behaved very well and immediately showed she likes the discipline by finishing third behind generational talents Jezabelle Bie and Joumba de Guez. Earlier this year, on January 15th, she tried her luck in the 'Prix Calvados' (2850m). Again she finished third, this time behind Gazelle de Val and Edition Gema. Jasmine de Vau noted a 1'09''3 in her last 500m. Showing her blistering speed, even in long distance races.
Interesting outsider who could snatch away a top 5 placing.
Jezabelle Bie - A. Lamy
Has been a consistent performer in the discipline. Taking away multiple placings. Really started to shine in the 'Prix Bilibili'. After a smart drive from P. Ploquin she convincingly took the win in one of the Cornulier qualifiers. Consistent performer.
Jezabelle Bie (outside) wins the Prix Bilibili in front of Joumba du Guez, Jasmine de Vau and J'aime le Foot Intouchable - F. Lagadeuc
An outsider in the Prix de Cornulier. On December 21st he performed well by finishing second behind Idéale du Chene over 2175m. Beating horses like Granvillaise Bleue, Hirondelle du Rib and Edition Gema. Don't expect him to finish in the top 5 this Sunday.
Jewelcandle Fac - D. Bonne
Has been mostly performing in the 'regular' races. Last monté race was one year ago (Prix Paul Bastard) where she finished 8th. Form doesn't seem to be good enough for placings here.
Gazelle de Val - M. Mottier
Driver and trainer in excellent form.
Gazelle de Val has been in extraordinary form, coming off a hattrick of wins. The highlight being her last race: 'Prix du Calvados'. She quite convincingly took the win in front of Edition Gema and Jasmine de Vau. Trainer thinks she could do well here and finish top 3. Needs a good trip to do so.
Guide Moi Forgan - A. Barrier
An outsider but accompanied by a driver in form. Barrier can drive some big, big outsiders home. Could do well here but should be really happy with a top 6 placing. Still a difficult task ahead of him.
Gold Voice - Cl. Frecelle
Decent and consistent performer. Hasn't shown the wow factor over longer distances and seems to prefer races over 2100/2175m. For that reason it might be a tough trip around the track for her.
Joumba de Guez - E. Raffin
Probably one of the favourites. Trained by the champion J.M. Bazire and driven by Sulky d'Or winner Eric Raffin. Has been nothing but short of amazing in his monté career. Hasn't raced against the older horses that often, which could be a small problem here. Top 3 chances.
J'aime le Foot - A. Collette
The tanker of the field. A horse who puts his heart and soul in a race. Most likely the one to take the lead and make it a tough one from start to finish. Does struggle with fighting till the very end as he tires up around the last corner. If he can hold on or presserve his energies he's one to look out for.
Ines des Rioults - F. Desmigneux Probably one of the biggest outsiders. Has had some nice placings but nothing that shows us she's here to fight for the big prices.
Hip Hop Haufor - P.Y. Verva
Has been strong and performing at the highest level in the regular races. This could be a very interesting adventure as he's strong and doesn't mind racing hard. If he can keep his legs in the correct gate he has chances for a top 4 finish.
Hip Hop Haufor his biggest win as of now: Prix du Bourbonnais (2022) - Grand Prix de Amérique qualifier Grace du Digeon - J.Y. Ricart
Probably one of the biggest outsiders. Has had some nice placings but nothing that shows us she's here to fight for the big prices.
Ina du Rib - J.L Cl. Dersoir
Not in the top 4 that often, but last years Prix de Cornulier has made it clear she can peak at the right time. Trainer knows how to prepare his horses. Needs a good trip and some luck but should not be left out of any tickets.
Jean Balthazar - B. Rochard
Was the leader of his generation but seems to be struggling a bit more since late 2024. Has been showing up and putting in the work but can't finish it off quite as well. Could make it a hard race, alongside J'aime le Foot. Don't see him finishing in front.
Edition Gema - G. Martin
The oldest contender but definiteley not the least. Edition Gema has been an absolute menace in the monté races at Vincennes. Her last race in the Prix du Calvados has shown us that her form might peak at the exact right moment.
One to look out for.
Idéale du Chene who's being chased down by Edition Gema Hirondelle du Rib - N. Perron
Exactly the same comment as Ina du Rib: Not in the top 4 that often, but last years Prix de Cornulier has made it clear she can peak at the right time. Trainer knows how to prepare his horses. Needs a good trip and some luck but should not be left out of any tickets.
Ideale du Chene - Ph. Pau. Ploquin
Definiteley one of the favourites for the 92th edition. Is an incredibly gifted horse that has been showing up in the biggest monté races. Seems to get better with age, as she's grown both mentally and physically. If in her best form she could be hard to beat.
Granvillaise Bleue - A. Abrivard Starting in her fourth consecutive Prix de Cornulier, which is an incredible feat on it's own. Could finally take her (discussable) deserved win here. Has been strong and consistent for a while now and will be driven by (one of) the best monté driver in France.
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