Today’s Enghien harness racing feature was the Prix du Pont d’Iena (purse 63,000€, 2875 meters, 12 European starters). Italy’s Victory Ferm (5m Nad Al Sheba-Gavina di Casei) scored at 3.2/1 odds for driver Andrea Guzzinati, trainer Mauro Baroncini and owner M.A. Passoni.
Victor Ferm recorded his second win in nine starts in France and now has career earnings of 182,788€. 8.7/1 odds Broadwell (5m Conway Hall- Boria) took second with Gabriele Gelormini up for trainer Erwin Bot and owner Ecurie Gerrits Recycling BV. 1.6/1 favorite Alcoy (5m Ready Cash-Divann) took third for pilot Christophe Martens, trainer Victor Martens and Ceke Farm BVBA of Belgium.
At Caen a group of lightly raced three year olds contested the Prix de Ianville (purse 18,000€, 2200 meters autostart, 12 starters). The 9/10 favorite Gold Eagle (3m Bold Eagle-No Limit Jet) scored timed in 1.15.5kr with Eric Raffin aboard. The winner is unbeaten in two outings for trainer Sebastien Guarato, owner Pierre Pilarski and was bred by Serge Bernereau.
Gold Eagle – LeTrot photo
The 2.1/1 odds Gitano (3m Tucson-Que d’Ojeille) was second for trainer/driver Thierry Duvaldestin that had won his only previous start. Third was 11/1 Give Me Five (3g Brillantissime-A New Bill) that Anthony Barrier teamed for breeder/owner/trainer Philippe Allaire, in his first career start.
Tomorrow the trots moves to Marseille Borely and that venue hosts the Grand National du Trot Paris- Turf (Gr. III, purse 85,000€, 3000 meters distance handicap). This is the GNT second leg.
Thomas H. Hicks