Robert Bi and reinsman Robert Bakker took today's first local elimination for the October 4th European Championship for four year-olds.
The Paul Hagoort trainee (4mToss Out-Up Front JM) held off Tast of Bourbon (4f Donato Hanover-Qualita Bourbon) with owner Jean-Pierre Dubois up and Rue du Bac (4m Infinitif-Ici) and teamster J-M Bazire in a hotly, closely contested battle on the line. Robert Bi was off at 2.2/1 odds and he covered the 2150 meters autostart in 1.14.2kr in the mud. Purse was E60,000. The Dubois/Bazire battle continued post-race with an unusual on-track altercation.
The second elimination this day went to Africaine (4f Oiseau de Feux-Italienne) and owner/trainer/driver Jean-Etienne Dubois. The pair scored in 1.13.2kr at 1.9/1 odds. Amiral Sacha (4m Ganymede-Nostalgique Sacha) was second ahead of Alienor de Godrel (4f Orlando Vici-Julietta).
After all qualifying elims, in France and Sweden, Robert Bi and Tumble Dust (by Crazed) lead a very competitive group of four year-olds into the European Championship on October 4th.
Mauquenchy October 4 – Grand Prix de l’UET Final
- Tast Of Bourbon
- Africaine
- Västerbo Loveboat
- Robert Bi
- Tumble Dust
- Radieux
- Amiral Sacha
- Dominator
- D'One
- Rue du Bac
- Boys Going In
- Aliénor de Godrel
Thomas H. Hicks