Nicolas Bazire piloted 19/1 outsider Bel Avis (8g Ganymede-Gloria Maris) to a 1.12.3kr timed victory in today’s Gr. III Grand Prix du Centre-Est (purse 90,000€, 2650 meters distance handicap, 11 starters) held at Saint Galmier.
Trained by Jean Michel Bazire for New Blue I LLC (USA), Bel Avis, handicapped 25 meters, recorded his 22nd career victory in 64 starts now for 1,109,533€ in lifetime earnings. Comte de Bellaigue bred the winner.
Another long shot, 32/1 Aron The Baron (7g Vasterbo Prestige-Gossip) took second for Pierre Callier and trainer Tomas Malmqvist, with 20/1 Gross Weight (8g Scarlet Knight-Elma Jet) home third with Clement Duvaldestin up.
The 12/1 Blooka du Boscail and 39/1 Valokaja Hindo completed the top five. Ble du Gers and Chica de Joudes were dq’s.
by Thomas H. Hicks, for Hanesslink