Tonight’s Prix Maria (purse €36,000, 2100 meters autostart, 10 starters) at Paris–Vincennes was the third leg of the harness racing Drivers Cup between Team America and Team France.
The first two legs were held in March at Yonkers Raceway and Team America won both legs decisively to take a points lead of 85 vs. 38 for Team France.
Today reversed the score as Team France earned a 42 vs. 24 margin to close the gap after three legs to 109 for Team America vs. 89 for Team France.
On the individual ledger Jordan Stratton has 33.5 points to lead Nicolas Ensch with 27 and Jason Bartlett with 26.5.
Today’s race went to 3.9/1 Bambou de Calvi (5g Korean-Gramonde) with Nicolas Ensch up for Ecurie Mexique Ranch timed in 1.14.4kr. 4.3/1 Be Love Desbois (5m Love You-Jacotte) took second for Franck Ouvrie with third to 24/1 Azaro du Caux with Jason Bartlett up.
The final leg is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Paris-Vincennes as part of a classic laden program.
Thomas H. Hicks