This Sunday, Thoroughbred fans can enjoy Black Type action from Cagnes-sur-Mer. The Listed Prix de la Californie is run over 1600m for three-year-olds and provides a first chance to see prospective Group horses participating in the up-coming turf season. Older horses receive an opportunity to gain Black Type in the Listed Grand Prix de la Riviera Cote D'Azur over 2000m. 
  
Showay has the most Black Type experience in the Listed Prix de Californie, having placed third in the Listed Grand Criterium de Bordeaux and Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux Et des Jouvencelles as a juvenile. The Galiway filly was given a prep race in a course and distance Class One conditions race on 22 January, finishing third behind re-opposing Cambronne and Mqse de Maintenon. It would be no surprise to see her improve for the run and reverse placings. 
  
Cambronne has been racing throughout the winter on the all-weather at Deauville and Cagnes-sur-Mer. His victory in the aforementioned track and trip Class One conditions contest was his first win at that level, although he did place third attempting the Listed Prix Delahante at Marseille Borely in October. Race fitness will be an advantage. Mqse de Maintenon was unable to build on her second behind Cambronne when fourth in a similar race subsequently and needs to show her best to feature. 
  
Brave Emperor is a possible UK trained runner from the Archie Watson stable. He recorded a fourth consecutive victory in a Southwell (UK) handicap before being disqualified to second for interference on 26 January. This will be a step up in class, though the Sioux Nation colt is heading in the right direction. 
  
Vivernus is an interesting prospect. He made an eye-catching start to his career winning a Deauville 1500m event in December and is entitled to improve for the experience. The win may be beyond him against more experienced rivals, but a place is possible. 

In the Listed Grand Prix de la Riviera Cote D'Azur, Ilic sets the form standard. The four-year-old has switched to the Christophe Ferland stable and placed the past three outings among Listed and Group company, including a 1.75L second in the Prix du Prince d'Orange (G3). He is yet to win over this distance but has finished runner-up on all three attempts. 
  
Mr Coalville will take a step up in class off the back of a Class One success at Chantilly AW over 1900m. He remains untried at this distance but could improve for the additional stamina test and seems to be progressing with age. 
  
Backchisaray is worth place consideration based on his third in the Listed Grand Prix de Marseille over 2000m in November. He faces a comparable level of opposition. Similar comments apply to Galer, who finished fourth in this race twelve months ago and previously won over course and distance. Nighthab loves this journey with a win and two seconds from three attempts. He takes a well-deserved step up in class after a confident win in a Class Two handicap over 2150m at this track.