Timoko (9m Imoko-Kiss Me Coulonces) returned from stallion duty to win today’s harness racing Gr. II Grand Prix du Sud Quest (purse €200,000, 2575 meters autostart, 11 starters) at Agen La Garenne.
Bjorn Goop reined the winner for trainer/owner Richard Westerink.
The Paul Van Klaveren bred veteran recorded his 31st victory in 88 career starts now for €4,236,538 earned.
Timed in 1.11.6kr, Timoko was quick to the lead with Dante Boko in the pocket. Brissac, from post 11, came alongside and raced much of the way in the death seat before giving way as Bird Parker (5m Ready Cash-Belisha) rushed forward in the final turn for J-Ph Monclin, trainer Philippe Allaire and owner Elisabeth Allaire.
This Christophe Toulorge bred speedster took the lead and held it to the line under heavy urging albeit Timoko re-rallied to a just-beaten second.
But, as Timoko closed on the pegs, Bird Parker moved right despite his teamster leaning to the outside, with his right wheel placed under Timoko’s left, impeding his progress and forcing driver Goop inside the pylons.
Thus, Bird Parker was a dq placed second. 20.3/1 Ave Avis (6m Kesaco Phedo-Magna Avis) was third for driver/trainer J-M Bazire and owner Mme. O. Roffi-Urano.
Comte de Bellaige bred this one. Dante Boko (6g Going Kronos-Margherita Rosa) was an all out fourth for Pierre Vercruysse, trainer Lutfi Kolgjini and Stall Be The Best.
Anna Mix (6f Ludo de Castelle-Ires) was a fast closing fifth for Franck Nivard and owner/trainer Franck Leblanc. The third through fifth finishers were together timed in 1.11.9kr.
Replays follow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdXZ-MHbhvE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLl8VAvZHAE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRo_y3aSWW8
The fine Agen program also included the Grand Prix Baron d’Ardeuil (purse €21,000, 2575 meters autostart, 14 European starters) with the 1.15.2kr timed victory to 35.7/1 Royal Roc (5f Filipp Roc-Gressy Roc) with Mathieu Abrivard the trainer/driver for Scuderia Sant Eusebio. 32/1 New Approach was second for Pierre Vercruysse and trainer Lutfi Kolgjini.
Bel Avis (5g Ganymede-Alorca Maris) took the €19,000 Prix de l’Agglomeration over the 2625 meters distance, besting nine rivals timed in 1.13.9kr. Bel Avis was off as 2/5 favorite for trainer/driver J-M Bazire and Wildenstein Stables Ltd. Comte de Bellaigue bred the winner that defeated 9.6/1 Bolero d’Houlbec.
The Prix President Dominique de Bellaigue (purse €23,000, 2625 meters, 11 European starters) went to 1.14.9kr timed and 4/1 odds Pioneer Gar (7m Varenne-Follia). Dominik Locqueneux reined this winner for trainer Johanna Lindqvist and Scuderia Super Chico SAS. 9.4/1 Unetelle d’Artease (8g Capriccio-Escapade) was second for Franck Nivard and third was 57/1 Univers d’Enfer.
On Friday evening at Enghien two year-olds (11) contested the Prix du Pont de la Tournelle (purse €32,000, 2150 meters autostart). The 1.20.5kr timed winner was 1.1/1 Envieux (2m Kaisy Dream-Vista Wood) with owner Jean-Pierre Dubois driving for trainer Yves Boireau. Ecurie D bred this one. 7/1 Evariste du Bourg (2m Jasmin de Flore-Saratoga du Bourg) was second for owner/trainer Sebastian Guarato and driver Ch. Thierry. 42/1 Etendard Majuro was third.
Thomas H. Hicks