The Paris-Vincennes featured Gr. I UET Master Series Grand Prix de Paris (purse €400,000, 4150 meters, 12 starters) went to relentlessly closing Lionel (6m Look de Star-Aurora Sign) for Orjan Kihlstrom, trainer Fabrice Souloy and owner Goran Antonsen.
The winner at odds of 8.9/1 tracked leading Bird Parker and then followed Bold Eagle, as he took the lead into the stretch, before storming home a with a length to spare.
Bold Eagle held second for Franck Nivard with 88/1 Tagada Tagada third, 14/1 Bird Parker fourth and 7/1 Timoko fifth.
Lionel’s win denied Bold Eagle the Triple Crown as he increased career earnings to over €711,000.
Timoko was first to lead off the start and then yielded to Bird Parker.
Content with a pocket spot Timoko could not keep with Bird Parker late in the final bend and tired late.
The marathon distance took its toll also on Bold Eagle as he weakened late after surging to the front at top stretch.
Time was 1.14.8kr (5:10.32) with a quick last 1000 meters off a slow pace (1.16.9kr at 1500 meters to go; 1.16.1kr at 1000).
The replays and pre/post race coverage – spectacular! Grand Prix de Paris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5N66g4rDvM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI1GkvidIiY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ovCaEdhiQM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V0NQZemRUE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR1jF0xx6P0
Thomas H. Hicks