The Trecco-Windrif association aims for this Cagnois meeting every year. Already victorious twice in the Grande Course de Haies (Le Mans et Owner) and the Grand Prix de la Ville de Nice with the double of Berjouit could still shine this winter thanks to Owner who, after having dominated the Grande Course de Haies last year, has quite a few assets in his game to do the same in steeplechase. Irreproachable for his return to the Côte d'Azur on December 9, he recently stood out in the final preparatory session, even if he had to settle for third place. “It didn't go very well in the Prix du Comté de Nice, with the horse who was in front of us during the course and who never stuck to the race, forcing us to make an effort, comments David Windrif. The race was not fast enough for him and it ended in a tumble. He, however, did a very nice straight that day.” Based on these attempts, Owner therefore has a first chance, but his mentor nevertheless remains cautious: “It will not be easy to give two kilos back to Faroe Islandsmore Owner is good and we must hope for a race that is as clear as possible… and that the best one wins!”
King David and Motu Fareone, very serious clients
Undefeated in two attempts during this meeting, Mickaël Seror's resident could obviously add a third stick to his record this winter. Winner of the two preparatory courses for this great Cagnois steeplechase, King David should not be bothered by the four hundred meters more compared to his last attempt and, even if he gives weight to all his opponents, he will be a serious contender for victory. In any case, it would be a disappointment not to see him on the podium.
Dominated by King David in the first preparatory, Faroe Islands skipped the Comté de Nice (L.), refining her form on the hurdles of the Prix de l'Estéron which she flew over brilliantly. She could just as easily have been at the start of the Grande Course de Haies de Cagnes again (second in 2023, editor's note), but her mentor, David Cottin, ultimately preferred this entry on the steeplechase, a specialty in which she has everything even won the Prix des Drags (Gr. II) at Auteuil last June.
If success should mainly be played out between these three protagonists, of the remaining seven competitors, a few should not be neglected, such as Greymimpeccable since his debut in steeplechase and who could leave the competition on a good note. Some would, for their part, be helped by a softening of the terrain if the rain were to reappear on the Riviera, like the 2023 winner of this Grand Prix de la Ville de Nice, You mournedreturned to competition this winter after being injured and is in ascending condition.
