Just two weeks away from the Opodo Prix d’Amérique, Sébastien Guarato’s charge Bold Eagle has more than ever endorsed his claims as favourite for the Trotting World Championship on January 31st. It was difficult finding superlatives to describe the son of Ready Cash’s latest win when he shifted into overdrive in the final stages of Sunday’s Prix de Belgique. It is now a certainty he will be the horse to beat in the upcoming Opodo Prix d’Amérique.
Voltigeur de Myrt set off at an even pace while Bold Eagle was handily positioned in the third pocket on the outside. Driven by an outstanding Franck Nivard, the 5yo was held up until entering the straight, then produced a devastating turn of foot in front of a captivated Vincennes crowd. He will now be bidding to emulate Queen L, the last trotter to have achieved the Prix de Belgique/Prix d’Amérique double. That was back in 1993, but the stats are not going to worry Bold Eagle.
Meanwhile, Voltigeur de Myrt kept on well in second spot; runner-up to Up and Quick in last year’s Opodo Prix d’Amérique, Roberto Donati’s charge looks all set to return another big performance at the end of January. In fifth place, Bird Parker also caught the eye. On his first bid at this level, Philippe Allaire’s 5yo made a very worthy move in the uphill section on the outside in third berth, sustaining his effort all the way to the wire. Lionel finished only eighth, but the result has to be put in perspective. Causing a false start, he was obliged to set off at the rear of the field, but the son of Look de Star concluded his race in promising style, just like stable companion Un Mec d’Héripré (4th). The Big Race looks bright for Fabrice Souloy’s pair.
While Bold Eagle impressed, Up and Quick’s distant 9th spot raises a few questions. Even if the Opodo Prix d’Amérique title-holder was conceding a 25-metre handicap, he never managed to get on terms, failing to jump in behind Bird Parker in the uphill section. Let’s hope the son of Buvetier d’Aunou can put on a different face for connections at the end of the month running barefoot and equipped with his special tack.
However, the one to lose out most is Amiral Sacha. Following an infection, the son of Ganymède had reassured his team when reappearing and finishing runner-up in the Prix de Bourgogne on January 3rd. But he was unable to follow up in Sunday’s race, going offstride in the final phase. It was a mystery why for trainer Florent Lamare, whose charge has consequently failed to bag the points and earnings he so desperately needed to take part in the 2016 Opodo Prix d’Amérique – a Prix d’Amérique sporting the red and black colours of Bold Eagle.
