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Preview: Prix de Normandie.

The G1 Prix de Normandie (3000m) is the final race of the Vincennes Summer Series. It is the culmination of the Entrier 5 Ans category, with the first qualifier occurring back in early May. We look at the leading contenders for this year's event...

Gloire Joyeuse 

Although unsuccessful at the top level before, Gloire Joyeuse produced a near career-best performance when placing third in the G3 Prix Legoux-Longpre (2850m) at Vincennes last start. She will face a considerably tougher task here. 

Grizzly Bear 

Grizzly Bear has been in good order since switching primarily to mounted events. He has recorded five wins from his past six outings but steps up considerably in class from the Class D success at Vincennes on 9 September. 

Gangster Davaness 

Gangster Davaness has not raced at Vincennes since the start of the year, preferring the conditions at Cagnes-sur-Mer and Marseille-Borely. He produced a fair effort when second in the Class A Prix de la Capelle (2925m) in late August. This represents a significant step up in grade.  

Gloria du Gers 

Gloria du Gers has been struggling in driven company and returns to the preferred mounted division. She picked up two placings at Group level in June including in qualifier three for this contest, the G2 Prix Xavier de Saint-Palais (2700m). Others appeal more. 

Girly Béco 

Girly Béco surprised many with a career-best victory in the fourth qualifier, the G2 Prix H. Ceran-Maillard (2175m) beating the well-fancied Gladys des Plaines and Gospel Pat. She produced a peak kilometre rating of 1'11'8 and could be in the mix if replicating the same level of form. 

Granvillaise Bleue 

Granvillaise Bleue bounced back from a couple of disappointing efforts at the top level with a second in the G2 Prix H. Ceran-Maillard (2175m). The form line of that race is a question mark with outsider Girly Béco recording the win, but Granvillaise Bleue did win the third qualifier (G2 Prix Xavier de Saint-Palais) earlier in the campaign and is clearly capable when up to best. 

Good Luck Quick 

Good Luck Quick has failed to make the frame in two starts since two straight disqualifications. He was operating at a high level earlier in the year with a win in the G2 Prix Camille Balisot (2850m) and placings in other Group events such as the G2 Prix Louis Forcinal (2700m). A return to best would not surprise. 

Goldy Mary 

Goldy Mary has been struggling with disqualifications, completing three times from her last nine starts. Although she finished second in the G2 Prix Jean le Gonidec (2700m) in February, her recent completions have not been up to this standard. 

Gangster du Wallon 

Gangster du Wallon has been campaigned at a variety of different levels in 2021 but undoubtedly produced a career best performance when second in the driven G1 Critérium des 5 Ans (3000m) at long odds. He has only been raced in a mounted contest once this year, but his success in the G1 Prix de Vincennes (2700m) in 2019 suggests he's very capable of returning to winning ways. 

Gladys des Plaines 

Barring Gangster du Wallon, Gladys des Plaines has the superior form in the field as winner of the G1 Prix du Président de la République (2850m) in 2020. She recorded four straight wins at the back end of last year and has not been disgraced in recent starts. Trainer Giles Curens reports the mare takes a few runs to get confident again after a break so she should be at her best for this.