Marseille-Vivaux steps into its penultimate meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 16, with eight races scheduled between 4:52pm and 8:47pm. Each contest offers its own challenges and narratives, culminating in a night that blends promise, stamina, and tactical skill.
The action opens with Race 1 — PRIX MARCEL RECORDIER at 4:52pm, a Class 4 contest for older horses. The runners cover 2000 metres, with 11 contenders chasing a total purse of €14,400, easing the meeting into motion.
All eyes then shift to Race 2 — PRIX HENRI BRUN at 5:27pm, the richest contest on the card and the only Class 2 event of the evening. Worth €20,100, this race features 10 contenders, including MORPHEWAN, LORD OF WAR, NOFIX, LE MYTHE, COLONEL MITCH, PASSINGSHOT, and RAOULE. It is expected to set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Race 3 — PRIX LUDOVIC MICHELON follows at 6:02pm, another Class 4 event for seasoned runners. Over 2000 metres, 11 contenders compete for a purse of €16,300, maintaining pressure on consistency and form.
Mid-evening brings Race 4 — PRIX DE NOEL at 6:37pm, a maiden for three-year-olds. The 1500-metre contest has 11 runners competing for €15,600, offering a first real test of promise for the unexposed types.
Youthful urgency continues with Race 5 — PRIX DES LECQUES at 7:11pm, a race for two-year-olds over 1500 metres. Nine contenders chase a purse of €12,000, injecting raw energy and unpredictability into the programme.
The evening then pivots into the staying contests, beginning with Race 6 — PRIX DOMINIQUE GRISONI at 7:43pm, a handicap for three-year-olds over 2600 metres. Ten runners contest €19,200, including GLAVIA, BELLA REBELLE, BLARNEY, PAPILLE D’ARGENT, DREAM IN BROOKE, BAGAZ, HOWABOUTHATNOW, BLANCHE SACREE, TIBERIANA, and MAKING WAVES. Patience and resolve are expected to shape the outcome.
This theme continues in Race 7 — PRIX DU VALLON DES AUFFES at 8:15pm, a Class 3 race for older horses also over 2600 metres. Nine contenders compete for the same €19,200 purse, including BOOGIE, BLACK SAXON, ZILRAK, NO BAY, AVERNES, COUPE D’EUROPE, PUMP PUMP CITY, and INTERSTELLA. Experience, positioning, and stamina are crucial here.
The night concludes with Race 8 — PRIX IRISMOND at 8:47pm, a Class 4 finale for older horses over 1500 metres. Seven runners vie for €12,800, closing the evening under the Vivaux lights.
As the final race fades, the card stands as a penultimate chapter in the season, offering one last opportunity for momentum, redemption, and statement-making before the curtain comes down at Marseille-Vivaux.
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