Etonnant impressive Gr. II winner at Caen

Etonnant (8m Timoko-Migraine), off at 6.8/1 odds with Anthony Barrier teaming, scored easily with a front stepping victory timed in 1.11.6kr in the Prix des Ducs de Normandie (Gr. II International, purse 150,000€, 2450 meters voltstart) at Caen, France.

Richard Westerink owns the trains the now 17-time career winner of 1,361,000€ earned.

The 26/1 outsider Gangster du Wallon (6m Lets Go Along) rallied for second with Alexis Collette up for owner/trainer Damien Lecroq and 39/1 Fakir du Lorault (7m Vaillant Cash) was third for Francois Lecanu and trainer Mickael Charuel. 21/1 Elvis du Vaillon, the 6/10 favorite Cleangame, Ampia Mede SM and Dollar Soyer completed the top seven.

Cleangame threatened the leader in the last turn and upper stretch but was no match for the 2022 Elitloppet invitee Etonnant.

The big crowd at Caen also saw the Gr. III Prix Guillaume le Conquevant (purse 80,000€, 2450 meters, International four year olds) and it did not disappoint. The 8/10 favorite Idao de Tillard (4m Severino-America de Tillard) scored bravely in 1.12.8kr foir Clement Duvaldestin, trainer Thierry Duvaldestin and owner Cyril Sevestre.

This was his 12^th career victory now for 451,130€ earned. The 3/2 odds second choice Izoard Vedaquais (4m Bird Parker-Dokha Vedaquais) was a game second for Eric Raffin and trainer/owner Philippe Allaire. J.P. Guay was the breeder. 26/1 Ideal Ligneres (4m Repeat Love-Ouragame) was third for Francois Lagadeuc.

LeTrot files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink