3 minute read
Enhanced Form: Prix de Cornulier.
The G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) is considered as the World Championship of mounted trotting. Bilibili holds the current race record kilometre rating having produced 1'11'2 in 2019 but can it be bettered this year? We look at the runners and riders...
Hirondelle du Rib
Hirondelle du Rib campaigned in both driven and mounted events recently. Her best form has come against mounted company, winning the G3 Prix Olry-Roederer (2850m) and the G2 Prix Emile Riotteau (2700m). She cannot be dismissed lightly.
Fantaisie
Fantaisie has been a sensation for her trainer Nicolas Bridault with the mare recording sixteen mounted wins over her career and producing a career best performance taking the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m). This represents another step up in class.
Florida Sport
Florida Sport has flourished in recent months, winning the G3 Prix August Francois (2175m) and G3 Prix Yvonnick Bodin (2700m). She remains unexposed in mounted company with three wins and four placings from seven attempts.
Granvillaise Bleue
Granvillaise Bleue is chasing a hat-trick after victories in the G2 Prix Edmond Henry (2700m) and G2 Prix Joseph Lafosse (2700m). She is yet to finish out of the frame over course and distance and her mounted form is top-class.
Et Voila de Muze
Et Voila de Muze is having his third mounted start after some mixed performances in driven events. Although he produced a good effort to finish third in the driven G3 Prix du Forez (2700m) on last outing, this is a significantly tougher ask.
Freeman de Houelle
Freeman de Houelle has won approximately a third of his thirty-three mounted starts. He brings plenty of experience though his sixth in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m) suggests improvement would be necessary.
Unique Juni
Unique Juni has been struggling to feature in Group events in driven company. This is a big ask.
Gladys des Plaines
Gladys des Plaines disappointed since winning the G1 Prix de Normandie (3000m) and only managed fourth in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m). Her best does put her firmly in the mix however.
Flamme du Goutier
Flamme du Goutier was second in the 2020 renewal of this race and recorded multiple victories over last year's Vincennes Winter Meeting. She has struggled to find form since February and would need to bounce back.
Zarenne Fas
Zarenne Fas showed a good level of form when second in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m) and could sneak a place if replicating.
Bilooka du Boscail
Bilooka du Boscail maintains a poor mounted record overall despite a recent third in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m). Others appeal more.
Etoile de Bruyere
Etoile de Bruyere made the frame five times from seven starts over course and distance. Her recent fifth in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m) suggests more is required.
Feeling Cash
Feeling Cash switches back to mounted events after failing to qualify for the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique (2700m). He holds mounted experience, though it is difficult to assess his level against a competitive field.
Bahia Quesnot
Last year's winner Bahia Quesnot will be aiming for back-to-back victories. She remains lightly campaigned in mounted races after five attempts and her recent form suggests improvement would be necessary.
Bilibili
Bilibili is a two-time winner of this race and holds the kilometre rating record of 1'11"2 (2019). Connections used the G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique (2700m) trial races as preparation, a system which has been successful in the past. However, his seventh in the G2 Prix du Calvados (2850m) was unusually poor for the champion. Success in this would make him the first horse to win the Group One as an eleven-year-old and a return to best would not surprise.
