The final dance in Paris
by Thomas Hedlund
Saturday’s (Feb. 28) race card at Vincennes marked the closing chapter of the 2025/2026 winter meeting, with substantial purses distributed across the 10-race program.
The marquee event for sulky trotters was the $275,000 Prix de Sélection, where the 4-year-olds started with a 25-meter head start over their 5- and 6-year-old rivals.
Liza Josselyn, trained by Nicolas Bazire, went off as the betting favorite, but in truth she never felt like a serious threat to win.
Instead, it was the 4-year-olds who dominated.
Maitre Jacques (Rolling d’Heripre), trained by Laurent-Claude Abrivard and driven by Alexandre Abrivard, dictated terms from the front. Once in control, he never looked vulnerable, and none of his rivals could mount a meaningful challenge.
Maitre Jacques belongs to the very top of the French M-crop and has already been prominent in several major Paris events. Saturday’s victory came in a sharp 1:55.4 mile rate over 2,175 meters.
Race replay here.
MINUTY DU GERS KEEPS ROLLING
Minuty du Gers (Royal Dream) continues to impress at Vincennes. In the $100,000 Prix Vindex, the Nicolas Bazire trainee captured his fifth consecutive Paris victory.
Bazire himself handled the capable 4-year-old, who took command with 1,900 meters to go and was never seriously threatened thereafter. He stopped the clock in a 1:57.4 mile rate over 2,700 meters.
Minuty du Gers has showcased genuine star potential throughout the winter meeting. Since capturing the $45,000 Prix Agathe on Nov. 13, he has added victories in the $60,000 Prix de la Bresse, $70,000 Prix Moni Maker, $100,000 Prix d’Orthez, and now the Prix Vindex — five wins during the 2025/2026 winter campaign.
Race replay here.
JE M’ENVOLE FLIES LATE UNDER SADDLE
In the prestigious monté event, the $275,000 Prix Hensi Desmontils over 2,850 meters, Je m’Envole (Joyau d’Amour) produced the strongest late kick with trainer Mathieu Mottier in the saddle.
Hirondelle du Rib set a demanding pace on the front end, with favorite Jeroboam d’Erable applying pressure on the outside. But the early leaders had spent their energy turning for home, opening the door for those waiting in the wings.
Je m’Envole accelerated powerfully mid-stretch and collared new leader Ideale du Chene just before the wire. The winning time was an impressive 1:55.3 mile rate over 2,850 meters.
Race replayhere.
KOBAYASHI SHINES IN PRIX DES CENTAURES
Kapaula de l’Epine took command from leader Manitas de Truchon 500 meters from home, but she could not withstand the late charge of Kobayashi (Face Time Bourbon) in the $275,000 Prix des Centaures monté race.
Trained and ridden by Mathieu Mottier, Kobayashi won in an eye-catching 1:52.4 mile rate over 2,200 meters.
Race replay here.
ISOFOU DU CHENE CAPITALIZES LATE
A pocket trip and a perfectly-timed stretch opening paved the way for Isofou du Chene (Un Charme Fou) and Paul-Philippe Ploquin in the $100,000 Prix du Plateau de Gravelle.
When the inside lane finally opened in the stretch, Isofou du Chene quickly shifted gears and drew clear to win in a 1:56 mile rate over 2,700 meters.
GUARDAMI CLOSES THE CURTAIN
The final race of the day — and the official conclusion of the winter meeting — went to Italian-bred 4-year-old filly Guardami (Tactical Landing).
Trained and driven by Mathieu Mottier, Guardami secured victory in the closing event, capping a remarkable afternoon for Mottier, who recorded four wins at Vincennes on Saturday to bring the winter meeting to an emphatic close.
