Prix de la Côte d`Azur in Cagnes-sur-Mer

Cagnes-sur-Mer, Thursday, 12 January: One of the highlights of the trotting meeting on the Riviera every year is the Prix de la Côte d`Azur (1st race/13.50 h/120,000 Euro/2900 m). The Group 3 race demands an allowance of 25 metres each from participants with winnings of 305,000 euros and 655,000 euros or more.

From the basic mark, Bordeaux S. (Christophe Martens) registers first chances, for whom Jean-Michel Bazire is responsible. The trainer himself steered him to a very good place of honour at Vincennes last time, where he scored an easy win before that. Desir de Bannes (Nicolas Ensch) is hardly rated worse, although his forms are anything but trustworthy. The track specialist was served only a build-up start in the Grand Prix de Noel (Group 3) recently. Ahead of him, Ecureuil Jenilou (Gwenn Junod) and Eden Basque (Pierre Vercruysse) finished in the placings, but are worse off in the allowance band this time. Go On Boy (Romain Derieux) starts from the middle allowance band. No distance is too far for him and with the performance in the Critérium des 5 Ans (Group 1) in fourth place, he can beat them all. Alessandro Gocciadoro`s two protégés, Zaccaria Bar (Gabriele Gelormini) and Bengurion Jet would not be a surprise in the front but have to go far. Another Italian hope is Birba Caf (Enrico Bellei), who finished fourth in her last French start in the Prix de Provence (Group 3). Flamme Vive (David Bekaert) rehearsed successfully for today`s task.