3 minute read

Preview: International Criterium Continental.

The G1 Critérium Continental (2100m) is a qualification opportunity for the G1 Grand Prix d'Amérique (2700m). The contest is restricted to four-year-olds and has been won by future champions such as Timoko, Bold Eagle and Face Time Bourbon...

We look at the main contenders for the G1 International Critérium Continental (2100m). An autostart restricted to four-year-olds, the contest was won by Facetime Bourbon in 2019 en route to his success in the G1 Grand Prix d'Amérique (2700m). 

Havanaise

The François Pierre Bousuet-trained son of Ricimer arrives in top form after completing a hat-trick of victories, notably a first Group Two success in the G2 Prix Ariste Hemard (2700m). He is a lively contender and deserves a shot at this top level. 

Sayonara

This Swedish runner was narrowly denied by Havanaise on debut at Vincennes earlier in the month. Expected to go close with improvement likely for a leading trainer. A top-line performer in Sweden but unexposed in France makes her a fascinating runner. 

Hohneck

A seven-time Group winner who wound up successful by a narrow margin in the G2 Prix Octave Douesnel (2700m) walk up at Vincennes. This Philippe Allaire-trained contender is equally as adept among autostart company and rates as one of the main chances. 

Hooker Berry

Ran on strongly to force a photo-finish with Hohneck in the G2 Prix Octave Douesnel (2700m). Expected to deliver a strong effort on second run this term for his irrepressible trainer, Jean-Michel Bazire. 

Helgafell

The son of Charly Du Noyer is a previous Group One winner but currently is inconsistent. He blew the field apart with a breakaway run down the home straight in the G2 Prix Octave Douesnel (2700m) but was caught in the final stages. Could be a chance eased in distance. 

Hussard Du Landret

This Bird Parker four-year-old arrives in excellent placed form, culminating with a third in the G2 Prix Octave Douesnel (2700m). He has a Group Three autostart success to his name. 

Hermine Girl

Finished fourth in the mounted G2 Prix Philippe Du Rozier (2175m) before a disqualification when fading before the straight in a Vincennes autostart. He would be a surprise winner. 

Bubble Effe

A classy Italian who ran fourth when debuting in France tackling a Class A Vincennes autostart at the beginning of December. He is worth a place chance with any amount of progress within reach for Alessandro Gocciadoro. 

Hades De Vandel

The son of Ganymede maintains consistent form this term including making the frame in the G3 Prix Pierre Van Troyen (2700m) three starts ago. He would not be out of the reckoning for a placing if delivering best. 

Hastronaute

The Yannick Henry-trained son of Booster Winner was a shade disappointing behind many of these in the G2 Prix Octave Douesnel (2700m). He was caught in a pocket when the pace lifted at the end of the back straight and is surely capable of better as a previous Group One winner last season. 

Hatchet Man

Another Philippe Allaire runner who can't be dismissed easily with two placings from three autostart efforts so far. 

Heliade Du Goutier

The son of Prodigious rates highly for trainer Sébastien Guarato, who was the trainer of the winner of three of the past six renewals. This runner won the G3 Boissy-St-Leger (2100m) autostart over course and distance on penultimate outing and is a notable candidate.