Esprit Mystic wins Gr. II Prix de la Cote d’Azur

Hippodrome Cote d’Azur hosted its Winter Meet namesake race today (Prix de la Cote d’Azur, Gr. II, purse 120,000€, 2900 meters distance handicap, International 5-11 year olds) with the victory in 1.12.3kr to Esprit Mystic (8g Village Mystic-Madia de Bellouet) reined by trainer Nicolas Ensch for Ecurie Tenacious Sauvigney.

He was off at 10/1 odds and overcame a 25-meter handicap. The 33/1- and 25-meter penalized Dolai des Plaines (9f Nahar de Beval) was second for Steve Stefano and owner/trainer J.M. Roubaud. Third was 10/1 odds and 50-meter handicapped Ecureuil Jenilou (8g Village Mystic-Melodie Jenilou) reined by Gwenn Junod for trainer Louis Baudron and owner Nicolas Baudron.

Reinsman Nicolas Ensch was back for the win in the Prix de Cagnes Sur Mer (purse 36,000€, 2925 meters, European 5-11 year olds) with 6/1 Gatsby Wic (6g Real de Lou-Quelle Miss Win) timed in 1.15.3kr. Christian Trecco owns this nine-time career winner of 112,300€ lifetime.

The 11/1 Falco de Vandel (7g Coktail Jet) was second for Martin Cormy and third home was 47.1 Cupidon du Corbon (10g Rancho Gede) piloted by owner/trainer Romuald Mourice.

Sunday at Vincennes is the sixth Amerique qualifier, this the Prix de Belgique (Gr. II, purse 120,000€, 2850 meters, International; 4-11 year olds). The 15-horse field includes already qualified Galius, Rebella Matters and Cokstile.

They will battle at month end against previously qualified Face Time Bourbon, Billie de Montfort, Vivid Wise As, Rtonnant, Ganay de Banville and Hohneck plus subsequent additions to complete the 18-horse lineup.

LeTrot files/photos

by Thomas H Hicks, for Harnesslink