French Trotting - Review of Prix de Vincennes

The first of three top-class G1's on Sunday at Vincennes resulted in a nail-biting finish as Jessy De Banville caused a minor upset by taking out the G1 Prix de Vincennes (2700m). It was a first victory at the highest level for this filly the same of which can be said for her, trainer, Christophe Clin, her jockey Florian Desmigneux, and her owner, François Pourrier, who all tasted G1 success for the first time. 

Although seemingly not one of the more fancied runners based on market expectations her place in this field was by no means unwarranted given, she finished an excellent second in the G1 Saint-Léger des Trotteurs at Caen in October. 

It's almost certainly fair to say all those involved in the daughter of Boccador de Simm would have been hoping for a smoother ride as she got off to what looked a disastrous start. The Christophe Clin-trained filly broke stride after a matter of metres before regaining her composure under a cool Florian Desmigneux. It was an error that put her on the back foot from flag fall and one that would seemingly pay to any winning chance. However, she wasn't to be denied and the pair began the make steady headway outside of runners as they rounded the final turn. There were still a good five lengths to find as they entered the 200m marker, but this improving three-year-old filly continued to dig deep closing with every stride and once inside the final 50m she always looked like getting there. The dramatic victory came at the expense of both Jubilé Prior (second) and Jakartas des Prés who lost nothing in defeat. 

It was a first G1 success for sire Boccador de Simm since Ganay de Banville won the G1 Prix de l'Étoile (2200m) at this venue just over a year ago. 

Future plans look to be undecided for Christophe Clin's filly, but she looks sure to contest top mounted races over the remainder of the Winter Meeting.