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Preview: Prix de Bourgogne.
This week we look at the main contenders in the fifth qualifier for the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique (2700m), the G2 Prix de Bourgogne (2100m). The G2 Prix de Bourgogne (2100m) is a test of speed and offers automatic qualification for the top races including the G1 Grand Prix de France over course and distance. We look at this year's contenders...
Empire
The Tomas Malmqvist-trained five-year-old took a step forward on recent form when an excellent runner-up in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q4 (2700m) here exactly one week ago. That was a good effort and although this looks tougher, he holds fair place claims once more for a top Swedish trainer.
Ampia Mede Sm
High-class daughter of Ganymède who was sent off favourite when chasing a nine-consecutive victory in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q4 (2700m) here last week. Travelling smoothly into the first bend prior to a shock DQ and it would be no surprise were the Fabrice Souloy-trained mare bounce back.
Alcoy
Fair performer on his day and interesting from a place-angle after a 127-day break. Last seen producing a personal best reduction kilometre rating of 1'09''9 when fourth in the G2 Grand Prix du Departement des Alpes-Mari (1601m) at Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Violetto Jet
Classy Italian-bred who finished a good fourth behind Face Time Bourbon in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q1 (2700m) prior to being DQ in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q2 (2850m) three weeks ago. The drop back to 2100m looks a major positive for this son of Above who is 4-7 over the distance and 3-6 over track and trip.
Feliciano
Philippe Allaire-trained son of Ready Cash who shaped well when only beaten four-and-a-half lengths in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q1 (2700m). Solid runner-up in the G3 Prix Jean Dumouch (2850m) a fortnight ago and although never to win in eight starts over this trip, he has placed on four occasions.
Gu d'Heripre
Fascinating contender who has not been seen since making all in the G2 Sulky Summer Races 5 Ans - Qualif 2 (2175m) back in May for previous trainer Philippe Billard. High-class performer with an excellent record of 3-4 over course and distance. The market and shoeing combination may prove the best guide to what is expected on return, but if fully wound up it would be no surprise to see him feature.
Etonnant
Arrives in excellent form having narrowly-denied the top-class Face Time Bourbon the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q2 (2850m) three weeks ago. The Richard Westerink-trained stable star may need things to fall right back over this shorter distance but must be respected following that astounding success last-time out.
Zacon Gio
Speedy son of Ruty Grif who famously denied Face Time Bourbon in the G1 Gran Premio Lotteria Finale (1600m) at Naples (ITY) in October 2020. Showed up well for a long way when behind the aforementioned runner in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q2 (2850m) three weeks back and should be suited by this shorter mobile distance. Genuine possibilities.
Delia du Pommereux
Experienced eight-year-old who was a good third last year's renewal. Must be excused breaking stride in the G2 Prix Jules Lemonnier (2175m) on mounted debut just nine days ago. Solid fifth when only beaten three-and-a-half lengths in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q2 (2850m) prior and it would be no surprise we she to have been targeted at this race.
Vivid Wise As
High-class Italian runner who finished an excellent second behind Face Time Bourbon in this race last year. Cosy success in the Gran Premio Delle Nazioni (2250m) at Milan (ITY) in October. Excellent record from behind the mobile and likely to have been trained with this qualification race in mind, expect a bold showing.
Davidson du Pont
Fourth in this last year behind a trio of expected re-opposing rivals. Expected to take a step forward from G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q2 (2850m) where he ran in a new shoeing combination, and it is hard to completely rule him out from an each-way perspective.
Face Time Bourbon
World-class trotter who has an exceptional record of thirty-five career victories from forty-three starts. Shock defeat in the G2 Prix d'Amerique Races Q2 (2850m) when headed by the re-opposing Etonnant three weeks back. Won this race last year when beating Vivid Wise As and Delia du Pommereux and fully expected to get back to winning ways.
