Zorro Wind scores first victory at Vincennes

The December 30 Paris-Vincennes harness racing card in France showcased the Prix de Montauban (purse 53,000€, 2100 meters autostart, European seven year olds) with the 6/10 favorite Zorro Wind (7g Ready Cash-Brava Power) scoring easily in 1.11.6kr.

Matthieu Abrivard teamed the Alessandro Gocciadoro trainee to his first victory in France to advance his life earnings to 176,804€. Scuderia Guida Eduardo owns the winner that defeated 23/1 France d’Occagnes (7f Tresor Wic-Sirene) that Anthony Barrier piloted for trainer Alexandre Chevrier. Third home was 11/1 Zante Laser (7f Maharajah-India di Jesolo) handled by David Thomain for trainer Fabrice Souloy. The 12/1 Last Winner (7f Quaker Jet) landed fourth for owner/trainer/driver Nico d’Haenens.

On December 29 the Gr. III Prix de Chateau Chinon (purse 80,000€, 2700 meters, European three year olds) saw 3/1 Gericault (3m Muscle Hill-Reverie d’Ar) hold on for a nose victory timed in 1.15.7kr.

Christophe Martens was the winning pilot for Ecurie Black and White and trainer Vincent Martens. This was the winner’s second win in France, and he now shows earning of 131,795€.

Jaguar Marancourt (3m Cristal Money) just missed the victory with Gabriele Gelormini driving for Tramonton Srl and trainer Fabrice Souloy. This colt was off at 4.8/1 odds. Third home was 18/1 Josh Power (3m Offshore Dream) handked by Robin Bouvier for trainer Benjamin Goetz.

On December 27 the featured Prix de Craon (purse 65,000€, 2700 meters for European 6-10 year olds) saw 4.4/1 Bordeaux S (6g Orlando Vici-Spot Over) score in 1.12.8kr with Eric Raffin at the lines. This was his fifth victory now for 276,394€ earned. Global Glide AB owns the winner that Jean Michel Bazire trains.

The 3.6/1 Bazire trained stablemate, Gigolo Lover (6g Royal Lover), was second with Nicolas Bazire aboard for Ecurie Moureaux As. Third was the 1.1/1 odds favorite Gamin Jaba (6g KJesaco Phedo) driven by Jean Michel Bazire who also trains this horse for owner/breeder Gilberte Bazire.

The Amerique ZETurf Q5 (Prix de Bourgogne, Gr. II, purse 120,000€, International 4-11 years old, 2100 meters autostart, 18 starters) is the highlight of the Paris-Vincennes January 1 program. The starting lineup follows.

LeTrot files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink