The force of a champion is to never fail under pressure and to be right on time. Bold Eagle and Lionel proved once again that they are part of a breed apart, and their winning adventures in the #opodoraces Critérium Continental and Prix Ténor de Baune have opened the door to the Prix d’Amérique Opodo 2016 in which they should be the main favourites.
Uncontested leader of his generation, in France and Europe, Bold Eagle had to impress at one month from the big event and that’s exactly what happened. An impressive demonstration of easiness and power. Without having to force his talent, Pierre Pilarski’s champion literally flew off in the final, putting three lengths between him and the rest of the field. A simple formality for the one who will turn 5- in a week (all trotters turn a year older on January 1st) and will have to battle with the best of his elder counterparts (including titleholder Up And Quick or Timoko) in the Prix d’Amérique Opodo, on January 31st. Before, he could figure on the card for the Prix de Belgique, on January 17th. His supporters are already quaking with pleasure.
Watch the Critérium Continental here
On his part, Lionel didn’t miss his goal either, as he easily won the Prix Ténor de Baune. Like Bold Eagle, the Norwegian interest named in honour of Argentinian football player Messi, left an impression of easiness. Akim du Cap Vert and Robert Bi attempted to follow, but Lionel added even more distance between them in the final, confirming his summer results and especially his capacity to race unshod: “in such conditions, he’s not the same” commented his trainer, Fabrice Souloy. Now, we need to know who will drive him on January 31st, as Franck Nivard will choose Bold Eagle. To be continued…
