Longshot rallies to capture 200,000€ Grand Criterium

Richard Westerink’s trained and owned Etonnant (8m Timoko-Migraine) rallied late to win the Grand Criterium de Vitesse Cote d’Azur (purse 200,000€, 1609 meters autostart – one mile, 4-11 year olds International, 13 starters) timed in 1.09.9kr (mile rate 1:52.46) at Cagnes su Mer in France Sunday.

The record time for this classic is 1.08.9 set in 2017 by four-time Vitesse winner Timoko and then equaled un 2018 by Bold Eagle. The 1,10kr level has been eclipsed seven times starting in 2002 by Varenne in 1.09.kr.

Etonnant now has 16 career wins good for 1,243,500€ earned. He was off at 58/1 odds and Anthony Barrier was his pilot.

The 1.1/1 favorite Vivid Wise As (8m Yankee Glide), who was going for his third straight win in the Grand Criterium, was second for Matthieu Abrivard and trainer Alessandro Gocciadoro. Third home was 18/1 Billie de Montfort (11f Jasmin de Flore) reined by Eric Raffin for trainer Sebastien Guarato.

The 12/1 Alcoy (8m Ready Cash) was fourth for Christophe Martens ahead of 3/1 Delia du Pommereux and David Thomain. Cokstile finished sixth, Vitruvio was seventh and Zacon Gio was 11^th.

Vivid Wise As was on the lead early as Etonnant was racing fourth-over on the outside. Then at the half mile, Barrier took Etonnant three-wide, looping the field to be first-over against Etonnant. Those two battled it out to the wire with Etonnant the strong horse, winning by a half length.

To watch the race replay, click here.

In the Prix de Cabourg (purse 52,000€, 2925 meters for four year olds) the 5/10 favorite Ingrid Turgot (4f Un Mec d’Heripre) scored in 1.14.8kr for Nicolas Ensch and trainer JP Ensch, her fourth career win now for 120,830€ earned.

The Prix de Rome Tor di Valle (purse 48,000€, 2125 meters) saw Eden Basque (8g Singalo) score at 4.9/1 odds timed in 1.13.3kr. Pierre Vercruysse teamed this Nicola Ensch trainee to his 14^th career victory now for 384,450€ earned. The 6.3/1 Speedy Face (8m Joke Face) was a length back second for pilot Wim Paal.

LeTrot, PMU, CSM files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink