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Enhanced Form: Grand Criterium de Vitesse de la Cote d'Azur

We look at the chances of each runner for the G1 Grand Critérium de Vitesse de la Côte d'Azur (1609m) including last year's winner Vivid Wise As, Davidson du Pont and Délia du Pommereux...

Altius Fortis

Altius Fortis is taking a significant step up in class following a fourth at Mons (Belgium) over 2840m. He has raced at Group level four times without placing and was contesting Class C events over the Vincennes Winter Meeting. This will be a tough test for him.

Elsa De Belfonds

Elsa De Belfonds has plenty of experience at Cagnes-sur-Mer and has only missed the frame five times in 27 attempts at the track. She had a good preparation for the race when placing second in the G3 Prix Pierre-Desiré Allaire (2925m) and has been racing well over the winter with frequent placings.

Vanesia Ek (ITY)

Vanesia Ek is very comfortable over the 'mile' (1600-1610m) with multiple wins and placings in her home country of Italy. Although the mare has not visited France since late 2019, she's been running with credit in good races at Naples and Montegiorgio and could be a dark horse with conditions to suit.

Alcoy (SWE)

Swedish raider Alcoy is chasing a double after a victory in the G3 Prix Pierre-Desiré Allaire (2925m), beating re-opposing rival Elsa De Belfonds. He's not been tried over the distance before but has an exceptional record at Cagnes-sur-Mer with five victories from eight attempts. That experience should stand him in good stead.

Tamure Roc (ITY)

Tamure Roc has been predominantly campaigned in Italy over the past year. She did make the journey to France for the G3 Prix du Luxembourg (2100m) but struggled to make her presence felt and could only manage seventh of eight finishers. The nine-year-old would need to show sharp improvement to feature.

Frisbee d'Am

Frisbee d'Am has been catching the eye on occasion over the Vincennes Winter Meeting, most notably when placing second in the G3 Prix du Luxembourg (2100m). He has struggled with disqualifications and backs up a week after failing to complete in the G1 Prix de Séléction (2200m) at Vincennes.

Etonnant

Although Etonnant has always been campaigned in both driven and mounted races, his previous best efforts have come in the mounted sphere. However, he surprised many when recording a victory in the driven G1 Grand Prix de Paris (4150m) following a second in the mounted G1 Prix d'Ile-de-France (2175m). His best efforts have come over longer distances so the drop back to 1609m would be an unknown.

Vivid Wise As (ITY)         

Vivid Wise As is aiming for back-to-back victories in this race and remains unbeaten in three starts over the distance. Despite a good second in the G2 Prix de Bourgogne (2100m), the seven-year-old disappointed in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amérique (2700m) when fourteenth and has not been seen on the track since. He's a leading contender back at his optimum conditions.

Délia du Pommereux

Connections were delighted that experienced campaigner Délia du Pommereux achieved her well-deserved Group One victory in the G1 Grand Prix de France (2100m). Although she struggled in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris (4150m) subsequently, the return to a sharper test is likely to suit and she cannot be dismissed.

Bahia Quesnot

Out of the leading contenders, Bahia Quesnot has the most experience at this track and distance. She produced two solid efforts without placing at Group One level following her victory in the G1 Grand Prix de Cornulier (2700m) and continues to deliver at the top level.

Davidson du Pont

Davidson du Pont will be aiming to bounce back after two disqualifications in Group One company. He placed second in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amérique (2700m) for the second year running in January and is very capable if able to complete cleanly. The only question mark would be that he has never raced at this track or trip.

Billie de Montfort

Billie de Montfort continues to be an excellent servant for connections. She has an impressive record overall and has placed three times from her six outings at this venue. Although not a winning bet, it would be difficult to dismiss her entirely as an each way chance.