The contrast was striking on the Paris-Vincennes racecourse (12th century) between the success of the tropical evening, Friday evening, which brought together around 8,400 people, and almost empty bays, this Saturday, when several high quality horses trod the Parisian cinders. With or without an audience, the champions were present throughout the afternoon. In the Prix Jules Thibault, the new duel between Izoard Vedaquais et Idao de Tillard, perhaps two of the best trotters in Vincennes with Amazing, kept all its promises. After three consecutive defeats, the first named regained the upper hand over his opponent, taking advantage of his first try, barefooted four feet. “These are two top horses, admits Éric Raffin, his driver. This time we are ahead. May it last. » To allow the resident of Philippe Allaire to win his first Group II, Éric Raffin had to be very attentive during the small hesitation of his partner at the exit of the final bend. This is the fourteenth success in eighteen outings for Izoard Vedaquais. For his part, Clément Duvaldestin remained calm despite the defeat: “We will have to lighten his shoeing on the forelegs now thatIzoard is unshod on all four feet. Which still promises great duels in perspective.
In this generation of four-year-olds, the males seem slightly stronger than the females. However, the winner of the Critérium des 3 Ans, Idylle Speed, once again proved his talent by winning the Prix Guy Le Gonidec (Group II). The resident of François Pierre Bossuet will try to remain the leader of the generation in the Critérium des 4 Ans, on September 18. “She is dominating among the females”, recognizes her driver, Jean-Michel Bazire. While its owner, Franck Morineau, warns: “We still have the ironing card to play in the coming months. »
“All credit goes to his farrier”
During this meeting, two horses placed in the Prix d’Amérique were on the track. Fifth in the 2022 edition of the most prestigious French Group I, Hohneck allowed Philippe Allaire to score a double by winning the Prix Jean Le Gonidec (Group II). “I had fun, confides his driver, François Lagadeuc. I had put him under a little more pressure today during the warm-up, and he was perfect. » The Prix René Ballière is on its program, next June 16, even if nothing has been finalized yet, for the one who will be the favorite of the next Critérium des 5 Ans (September 18).
Between joy and disappointment, Fabrice Souloy seemed torn at the finish of the Prix Chambon P (Group II). Satisfaction comes from winning Gu d’Heripre. Fourth in the Prix d’Amérique in 2021, the chestnut had not crossed the post in the lead since April 17, 2021. “All the credit goes to his farrier, confides the trainer. He did a wonderful job, which allows my horse to show his true face. I expected to see him run well. On the other hand, his other boarder, Wide Mede Sm, impressive at the last winter meeting, is disappointing for the second consecutive time. “You mustn’t rush it in the final bend,” regretted his mentor. I’m a little disappointed. His two proteges will take over the Prix René Ballière (Group I) on June 26.