Just A Gigolo takes Criterium de Vitesse de Basse Normandie

Harness racing trainer Philippe Allaire saw his two powerhouse trotteurs finish one-two today in the Criterium de Vitesse de Basse Normandie (Gr. II International, 120,000€ purse, 1609 meters autostart, 10 starters) at Argentan.

Just A Gigolo (5m Boccador de Simm-Blue Valentine) was the best timed in 1.10.6kr (mile rate 1:53.5) driven by David Tomain and off at 7.3/1 odds. Allaire trains/owns/bred this one that scored for the 17^th time in 37 career starts for 1,230,831€ earned. The 5/10 favorite stablemate Hohneck (7m Royal Dream-Caranca) was a game second handled by Gabriele Gelormini for owner/trainer Allaire. Ampia Mede SM (8f Ganymede-Polimpia Slide SM) was third at 4.5/1 odds with Theo Duvaldestin driving for Thierry D and Scuderia Se.Fin. Inmarosa (6f Amiral Sacha) took fourth at 19/1 for Leo Abrivard and 43/1 Elvis du Vallon (10m Reve de Beylev) was fifth with Charles Cuiller aboard. Bilo Jepson and Eric The Eel also earned checks.

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The Argentan card offered two other flat mile races. The Prix Quaker Jet (purse 27,000€, 1609 meters autostart, 12 European starters ages 6-9) was won by 2.4/1 Sidney Celeber (7g Readly Express-Amanda Celeber) timed in 1.12.4kr (mile rate 1:56.4) driven by Gabriele Gelormini for Egebro Racing and trainer H.E. Bondo. Loaded Leila with Anthony Barrier up and Oblivion handled by Dominik Locqueneux took the next checks.

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And the Prix Up And Quick (purse 24,000€, 1609 meters autostart, 10 European starters age 5) saw 17.2/1 Juvamine Renadier (5f Un Amour d’Haufor-Teva du Pont) score in 1.12.1kr (mile 1:55.9) with Arthur Rebeche up for trainer Stephane Meunier. She defeated Jack Fouloniere with Francois Lecanu driving and Jazz Verone handled by owner/trainer/driver Sebastien Hardy.

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Argentan, Trotteur Francais files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink