Big day for the saddle trotters

Paris-Vincennes, Thursday, 17 February: Saddle trotters take centre stage at today`s eight-race event in Vincennes. First up are the three-year-olds.

The fillies will contest the Prix Holly du Locton (3rd race/15.00 h/60.000 Euro/2175 m). Junon du Leard (Paul Philippe Ploquin) could be the winner, but the fresh `Course-A` winner faces Jordanie (Adrien Lamy), who was just better than the Grimault mare in the final sprint on 18 January. Julia de la Noe (Eric Raffin) and Jipsy du Noyer (Mathieu Mottier) fought out a `D` race between themselves at the beginning of the year, they are also among the closest favourites.

In the stallion/gelding Prix Edouard Marcillac (5th race/16.10pm/60,000 euros/2175m), Jolly Roger (Adrien Lamy) is the benchmark after his victory over Juby de Bailly (Mathieu Mottier). The latter jumped on an uplifted platform in his latest appearance, while Jaspers Turgot (Eric Raffin) was flawless in his first saddle appearance to finish a good second. Joiso Poker Pro (Benjamin Rochard) and Jasper des Pres (Guillaume Martin) are two other proven contenders with good chances.

Finally, the five-year-old saddle trotters are under order in the Prix Paul Bastard (8th race/17.55/120,000 Euro/2700 m). Hera de Banville (Eric Raffin) surprised in the Prix Camille Blaisot (Group 2) and left numerous competitors behind her, whom she will meet again today. Hector des Champs (Francois Lagadeuc) also got good marks as sensational third ahead of Hytte du Terroir (Alexandre Abrivard). The latter is still well remembered as winner of the Prix Philippe du Rozier (group 2). The best saddle class was represented by Hirondelle du Rib (Jean Dersoir), who could not be beaten in the dress rehearsal for the Prix de Cornulier (group 1), but then failed due to a canter.