April 27, 2019 – The heavy 1/5 favorite Aubrion du Gers (9g Memphis du Rib-J’Arrive du Gers) held on for half-length harness racing victory in today’s Gr. II Criterium de Vitesse de Basse Normandie, the initial leg of the Challenge Cup Grand Vitesse, held at Argentan.
With owner/trainer Jean Michel Bazire at the lines, the Elitloppet 2019 invitee, won his 44th race in a 68-race career.
He now has career earnings of 2,263,447€.
The 4.8/1 Billie de Montfort (8f Jasmin de Flore-Quismy de Montfort) rallied for second with Eric Raffin aboard for trainer Sebastien Guarato and owner/breeder Philippe Dauphin.
43/1 Tamure Roc (7f Exploit Caf-Ema Roc) took the third check with Santo Mollo at the lines.
Aubrion du Gers
Earlier in the card was the Prix Texas Charm (monte, purse 25,000€, 2875 meters, 14 starters) and the easy winner was 1.4/1 favorite Napa Valley (7m In Dix Huit-Nadja) with Alexandre Abrivard up for trainer Cees F. Kamminga and owner Tim Oosterhof.
The classy performer won for the ninth time in 18 starts in France now for 180,926€ earned.
9/2 Zauni (6m Quite Easy) took second for Mme. Ronja Walter, ahead of 42/1 Cash Drive (7g Reflet Jet) with Mlle. Alexiane Lepage in the irons.
Napa Valley
Thomas H. Hicks