May 16, 2018 – Today’s top trotting program, at Caen began with the featured Q+ Gr. II Prix des Ducs de Normandie (purse €150,000, 2450 meters, 16 starters). The 3/2 favorite Aubrion du Gers (8g Memphis du Rib-d’Arrive du Gers) prevailed for owner/trainer/driver Jean Michel Bazire. He was clocked in a sharp 1.11.7kr over the one and one-half plus miles distance off the turning start. This champion recorded his 32nd career victory in 56 starts now for €1,589,372n earned.
The pair defeated numerous million euro plus winners. 22/1 Ave Avis (8m Kesaco Phedo-Magna Urano) rallied late for second with Matthieu Abrivard up. Bazire also trains this one that Mme. Ottavia Rolfi-Urano owns. 23/1 Amiral Sacha (8m Ganymede-Nastalgique Sach) took third with Gabriele Gelormini up and fourth was 20/1 Un Mec d’Heripre (10m Orlando Vici) with Yann Lorin up on this winner of over €1,860,000. 1.9/1 Traders (6m Ready Cash) and 22/1 Up And Quick were next to the line ahead of Uniflosa Bella and Akim du Cap Vert. Valko Jenilat and On Track Piraten were miscue dq’s in this fine field of campaigners.
Monte action began this day with the Prix du Calvados (purse €60,000, 2450 meters, 15 European starters). 2.3/1 Gross Weight (7g Scarlet Knight-Elma Jet) scored timed in 1.12.7kr with Arthur Rebeche in the irons. Thierry Duvaldestin trains this one for owner Johann Schembri of Malta. 6.4/1 Cathy du Vivier (6f Hand du Vivier) and Mathieu Mottier was third for trainer Dominique Mottier. Third was 5.2/1 Chablis d’Herfraie (6m Giant Cat) for David Thomain.
The monte Saint-Leger des Trotteurs (Gr. I, purse €150,000, 2450 meters, 18 starters) produced victory by 1.4/1 favorite Fado du Chene (3m Singalo-Star du Chene) for jockey Paul Philippe Ploquin. Julien LeMer trains this winner now 5 for 6 lifetime for €210,100 earned. 36/1 Fiorella de Ted (3f Up And Quick-Ravissante Jo) was second for trainer Franck Leblanc and jockey Mlle. Marie Bacsich. Third was 2.6/1 Ferreteria (3f Goetmals Wood-Avenue Victoria) with Matthieu Abrivard up for trainer Yves Boireau and owner Jean Pierre Dubois. Race time was 1.14.9kr.
The monte Gr. II Prix Henri Balliere (purse €120,000, 2450 meters, 16 starters) went to 1.13.4kr timed and 25/1 El Diablo d’Aut (4m Saxo de Vandel-Nuit des Dimes). Anthony Barrier was in the irons for trainer Vincent Raimbault. 35/1 Eternal Star Jiel (4f Qualypso Jiel) was a distant second for jockey Guillaume Martin and trainer J.L. Dersoir. Stablemate 10/1 Ezreal Jiel (4m Redeo Josselyn) took third for Matthieu Abrivard and trainer Dersoir
Elitloppet entrants (12) are now listed below. Propulsion raced Tuesday evening at Solvalla and was victorious timed in 1.09.9kr over 1640 meters autostart. The race was the Meadow Road worth 200,000SEK to the winner and he defeated Dupree, Not Afraid, Caid Griff, Sliding Hone and sixth finishing French Laundry
Elitloppet: Amiral Sacha, Orlando Jet, Takethem, Dreammoko, Volstead, Nadal Broline. Pastore Bob. Ringostarr Treb, Maori Time, Propulsion, Bold Eagle, Uza Josselyn
Thomas H. Hicks