200,000€ Gr 1 to former Elitloppet winner

The Journey of Champions Day at Paris-Vincennes (June 23) featured the Gr. I Prix Rene Balliere (International, purse 200,000€, 2100 meters autostart, 12 starters ages 4-11) that had the harness racing face-off between Prix d’Amerique and Elitloppet winners for the first time in 41 years.

Here the 2.3/1 odds Horsy Dream (7m Scipion du Goutier-Bonanza du Closet) rallied for Eric Raffin mid-stretch to pass leading Idao de Tillard to win the prize timed in 1.09.2kr (mile rate 1:51.34). Pierre Belloche trains the 20-time winner in 43 starts for Ecurie du Closet as Horsy Dream advanced his career earnings to 1,388,970€.

Prix d’Amerique winner and even-money favorite Idao de Tillard (6m Severino-America de Tillard) set the pace for Clement Duvaldestin, parking 5.4/1 Izoard Vedaquais into the lane with Vivid Wise As (10m Yankee Glide-Temple Blue Chip) in the pocket with Matthieu Abrivard up.

Idao de Tillard tired late allowing Vivid Wise As to drive up the inside but too late for the 22/1 veteran with both Idao de Tillard and Vivid Wise As were timed in 1.09.4kr. Fourth was 11/1 odds Hokkaido Jiel (7m Brillantissime) for David Thomain, ahead of 42/1 Ganay de Banville (8m Jasmin de Flore) with JMB driving and 5.4/1 Izoard Vegaquais (6m Bird Parker) with Benjamin Rochard teaming. In the end it was quite a battle, and the best horse took the prize.

To watch the race replay, click here.

Paris-Vincennes, Trotteur Francais files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink