The favors
It is difficult to single out a favorite in this very open edition, but the winner of the Critérium des 4 & 5 ans, Josh Power (4), will be very prominent in this Prix de Bretagne – America Races Q1. All eyes will be on the champion of Sébastien Ernault who will face horses older than him for the first time in a major event. His mentor made this “qualification 1” a goal. In fact, the son ofOffshore Dream just ran tackled, a week ago, in the Marcel Laurent Prize (Gr. 2) where he placed sixth. The goal was to run fairly calmly in preparation for this Sunday's race which is quite close together. This Sunday, he will wear his blinders, will be unshod on all four feet and will once again benefit from the drive ofEric Raffin (Sébastien Ernault being on the “sidelines”), who really liked the contact made last week. In the absence ofIdao de Tillard, Go On Boy or even Jushua Treethis is a wonderful opportunity for Josh Power to qualify for the next America Prize.
The challengers
It is with great pleasure that we will see again San Motor (15) on French soil this Sunday. The “spearhead” of Bjorn Goop and brilliant winner of the Bourbonnais Prize 2024 in front Izoard Vedaquais after a fierce struggle, would have been one of the favorites of the America Prize 2024 if he hadn't suffered a physical problem. During his return to the track on June 28, the son of Engine Failure had left a breathtaking impression in Farjestad, returning 50 meters following a mistake and still winning very easily. After this race, the representative of the Stall Ardvidssons AB left us somewhat unsatisfied by ranking “only” 4th in theAby World Grand Prix in which he was eagerly awaited and concluding, once again, 4th in the Swedish Championship 2024 being clearly beaten even though he was in the position of big favorite. Those around him had excuses to make since they declared that San Motor was ill during his final attempt. Even if he makes a small comeback this Sunday, if Bjorn Goop makes the trip from the first qualifying race, it is with very big ambitions. If we have on track the San Motor from last winter, then he will win, being the best competitor at the start of this event.
Emeraude de Bais (12) will not hear it that way. After a failure inUET Elite Circuit Finalethe champion of Benjamin Goetz set the record straight by establishing itself very easily in the 47th South-West Grand Prix. Associated with its faithful partner, Franck Nivardwho is a regular at major events, she is clearly aiming to qualify for the last weekend in January.
After his excellent second place in theUET Elite Circuit Finale, Ganay de Banville (9) probably ran a little too close in the Prices of the Cévennesplayed a little over two weeks later. Despite everything, the student of Jean-Michel Bazire held his part very well, having had to evolve outside of the host and future winner, Gaspar d'Angisduring the last 800 meters. The son of Jasmine of Flora showed himself to be very combative in repelling the attacks ofInmarosa et Hokkaido Jiel which he will find this Sunday. Associated with “JMB”, it is a candidate for the podium.
Where is it? Hussar of Landret (10) ? The winner of Paris Prize 2024 has just completed three recovery races, will be barefooted this time and associated with Yoann Lebourgeois for the occasion. Those around him seem to want to see the truth this Sunday and did everything to see the best face ofHussar of Landret. It's a print affair, but its quality is beyond doubt.
The 2nd of America Prize 2024, Hokkaido Jiel (11), left us somewhat hungry last in the Prices of the Cévennes. The son of Brilliant enjoyed a very good run and did not really “gush” to finish, settling for fifth place. Now it was only his second race after a four-month absence and those around him no doubt had this in mind. Prix de Bretagne – America Races Q1. The team representative will need to Luck is in good condition on his last outing to obtain his sesame in America.
Les outsiders
There are several who could come and confuse the cards afterwards. Second ofIdao de Tillard at the Capelle, Ampia Mede Sm (17) then held his part well in theUET Elite Circuit Finalranking sixth very close to “Idao”, once again. The representative of the formidable training of Thierry Duvaldestin should compete for the best places at the finish. What to think of the candidacy ofHooker Berry (18) ? The protégé of Michel Aladenise left us hungry last in the 47th South-West Grand Prix. After having benefited from a good career, the protégé of Nicolas Bazire didn't really change gears on the finishing straight, placing fourth. The winner of America Prize 2023 is still to be respected, it is difficult to eliminate it. We can also cite Don Fanucci Zet (16), representative of one of the best Swedish coaches, always skillful when he travels to France, Daniel Reason. This fifth of French Prize 2024 will not progress over his favorite distance but can vie for a small place at the finish. Finally, Inmarosa (8) was noted in the Prices of the Cévennes where she traced a very beautiful straight line, ending up at the hip of Ganay de Banville. Watch out for this family protégé Abrivard which risks doubling more than one to finish.
