Frank Gio captures 300,000€ Prix Ourasi

The Prix Ourasi (Gr. I  International, purse 300,000€, 2700 meters, 15 four year old starters) saw 2.9/1 odds second choice Frank Gio rally to dominate for Matthieu Abrivard, trainer Sebastien Guarato and Scuderia Bivans Srl with a 1.12.4kr score.

The winner now has seven wins in 10 career starts in France for earnings of 682,400€. He defeated 2.1/1 odds favorite Lombok Jiel (4m Enino du Pommereux-Surabaya Jiel) handled by P-Y Verva for Ecurie Luck and trainer J.L. Dersoir. Lovino Bello (4m Village Mystic-Louvina Bella) was third for Eric Raffin at 5.3/1 odds and trainer Jocelyn Robert. 30/1 Lapis Lazuli (4m Ready Cash0Early Star) landed fourth for Jean Michel Bazire, Ecurie des Chames and trainer Nicolas Bazire. Lemon Tree (4m Face Time Bourbon), L’Amourpourblanca (4m Face Time Bourbon) and Light My Fire (4m Ready Cash-Reethi Rah Jet) completed the top seven.

For the race replay, click here.

The Prix Paul Viel (Gr. II International, purse 150,000€, 2700 meters, 12 three year olds at the start) went to 2.4/1 second choice Golden Gio (3m Face Time Bourbon-Zed Wise As) again with Matthieu Abrivard up for Scuderia Bivans Srl and trainer Sebastien Guarato. The impressive Italian winner is two for two in France and now has earned 137,760€.  Race time was 1.14.4kr.

Maitre Jacques (4m Rolling d’Heripre-Adelie) was second at 5.9/1 odds with Alexandre Abrivard up for trainer L.C. Abrivard and Jacques Cottel the owner/breeder. Maestro River (3m Galius-Viva Saint Paul) was third at 4.6/1 with Eric Raffin handing this Guarato trainee and he was followed to the line by 1.7/1 odds favorite and pacesetter Mack de Blary (3m Face Time Bourbon) that Theo Duvaldestin reined. The 19/1 Magnun du Choquel (3m Hohneck), 40/1 Mat Manathis (3m Booster Winner) and 73/1 Mistral du Goutier (3m Hohneck) completed the top seven.

For the race replay, click here.

The great Prix du Luxembourg (Gr. III International, 100,000€ purse, 2100 meters autostart, 14 starters ages 5-11) that was once the main featured event this day is now just a groupe test on a powerfully superb Saturday card at Vincennes. This year the victory was earned by 3.8/1 odds Inexess Bleu (7g Vittelo de Brevol-Pearl of Charm) timed in 1.10.3kr and driven by Alexandre Abrivard. Michel Gallier owns this one and L.C. Abrivard trains the 15 time winner in 45 starts for 682,780€.

Home second was 2.3/1 odds Gaspar d’Angis (9g Quaro-Reveuse  d’Angis) with Eric Raffin driving the J.M. Baudouin owns and trained veteran trotteur. The 4.5/1 odds Oracle Tile (9m Ready Cash-Exotic Sund) was third handled by Benjamin Rochard for Stall Ready to Win and trainer Kristian Malmin. Gendreen at 45/1, Face Time off at 6.6/1 odds, 6.3/1 Banderas Bi and 104/1Juninho Dry rounded out the top seven finishers.

For the race replay, click here.

Today’s program was raced before a large audience that braved rainy weather. They were treated to great racing and indoor activities included basketball exhibitions. That leads to tomorrow’s Prix d’Amerique and a fine 10 race program.

Paris-Vincennes, Trotteur Francais, Equidia files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink