Prix du Luxembourg
The Saturday meeting at Hippodrome Vincennes will be focused on the Prix du Luxembourg.
The Group 3 race, held over 2,100 meters, serves as the ultimate warm-up for the Grand Prix d'Amérique on Sunday.
Every year, numerous international superstars compete for the crown. Title defender Face Time will be one of the contenders in this year’s edition. But who will rise to challenge him? Let’s discuss...
AUTOSTART - 2100 METERS - GROUP 3
Inexess Bleu - A. Abrivard
Extraordinary Horse.
This remarkable horse has been performing at an incredibly high level for a long time. Currently riding a hattrick of wins over multiple distances. Fast and powerful. Although not the quickest starter, with the trusted driver A. Abrivard, he still has a solid shot at securing a top-three finish here.
Mister Hercules - Y. Lebourgeois
This will be just his third race at Vincennes. While he hasn’t impressed yet, he clocked a notable 1'10''9 over 2,100 meters in the Prix de Bourgogne on December 29th. A horse with excellent speed and potential, even though he is inconsistent at times. However, he has shown the ability to shine in big races. With a favorable post position, Mister Hercules is definitely one to watch.
Gaspar d'Angis - E. Raffin
Gaspar d'Angis is a horse you can never overlook. When in form, as he is now, he’s a serious contender. Paired with E. Raffin, fresh off his Prix de Cornulier victory, the duo is formidable. While Gaspar d'Angis prefers longer distances, it will be interesting to see how he performs over 2,100 meters.
Gaspar d'Angis is no stranger to winning at Vincennes Gendreen - L. Abrivard
A steady performer who excels on smaller tracks. While it’s hard to see him challenging the main contenders for the win, he could sneak into a top-five placing with a strong performance.
Face Time - M. Abrivard
Last year’s winner and defending champion, Face Time was in the form of his life last season, concluding the 2023/2024 season with six consecutive wins. After taking a remarkable 288-day break starting in March, he returned to racing on December 15th and has competed three times since. His form doesn’t seem to match last year’s dominance, but the shorter distance here plays to his strengths. Definitely one to watch.
Banderas Bi - A. Gocciadoro
Originally scheduled to compete in the Prix de Bourgogne on December 29th, Banderas Bi was declared a non-starter due to a fever. He hasn’t raced since, leaving his current form in question. However, Gocciadoro is known for getting his horses ready to perform. Banderas Bi is lightning fast and has shown great potential with a recorded time of 1'09''6 over 2100m at Vincennes. If he's healthy and in form, one of the main contenders here.
Banderas Bi has already won multiple grade races throughout Europe Elite de Jiel - F. Ouvrie
Elite de Jiel is a steady and consistent presence in big races but often struggles to break away from mid-field finishes. While reliable, he’s unlikely to secure a top-five placing in the Prix du Luxembourg.
Happy and Lucky - A. Lamy
A questionable season so far. Happy and Lucky ended 2023 and began 2024 as an outstanding monté horse. However, just before the 2024 Prix de Cornulier, he was forced to take a 336-day break. Since his return on December 8th in the Prix de Bourbonnais, followed by runs in the Prix de Bourgogne and Prix de Belgique, he has failed to place in any of these races. He seems unable to perform in regular races, leaving him with no real chances here.
Oracle Tile - B. Rochard
Once again unlucky with the draw, but Oracle Tile remains a phenomenal horse. While not the fastest starter, his post position might actually work in his favor this time. Known for his incredible late speed, he consistently delivers strong finishes in big races. If he finds himself in a position to unleash his sprint in the final 300 meters, don’t rule him out as a potential winner.
Oracle Tile winning at Vincennes after a fast finish Have Seven - N. Bazire
The first horse in the second line, Have Seven doesn’t quite match the caliber of the top favorites in this field. It’s likely he’ll face significant challenges in this race, making a high finish unlikely.
Juninho Dry - P. PH. Ploquin
Juninho Dry has been far from his best for quite some time. On his peak days, he’s a very fast finisher, but unfortunately, he isn’t anywhere near that form right now.
Cash Bank Bigi - G. Gelormini
A decent horse, but this race might prove too challenging for him. He’s unlikely to make a significant impact here.
Global Etalon - D. Thomain
A solid horse, but he hasn’t managed to impress at Vincennes so far. While he’s recorded a 1'10''2 over 2,100 meters, he finished sixth in that race. With a favorable trip, he might push for a top-six placing, but anything higher seems unlikely.
Brambling - B. Goop
International driver, B. Goop is known for his ability to handle any race on any French track. Driving for Swedish trainer D. Réden here. Brambling has only competed in two long-distance races at Vincennes. While he performed well, he wasn’t able to contend at the front. His recent form has been lacking, but if he can rediscover his edge, a top-four placing could be within reach.
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