Since the creation of the Prix d’Amerique Races ZEturf Legend Race in 1920, French trotters have monopolized the top step of the podium with nearly three-quarters of the victories (73%). This remains unchanged from the list of achievements of the previous decade, during which Maharajah (2014) and Readly Express (2018) were the only foreign trotters to win.
The road leading to the coveted Legend Race begins with Qualif # 1, this Sunday in Paris-Vincennes where 5 European trotters, born outside France, make their entry into the Prix d’Amerique Races ZEturf.
1. Valzer Di Poggio (6yo): impossible to be mistaken about his nationality since he defends the “green-white-red” colors of the Scuderia Mistero jersey. Although he is from an Italian dam, his father is none other than top stallion Love You. Since arriving in Jean-Michel Bazire’s boxes in the summer of 2019, Valzer Di Poggio has never stopped pushing his limits and remains undefeated this year in 11 attempts! He is moving up a notch, but his mentor is full of praise and has chosen to drive him.
3. Calle Crown (6yo): trained by Tomas Malmqvist – the man from Tumble Dust who now presides over the destiny of the Hunter Valley Stable -, Calle Crown knows Paris-Vincennes on the tip of its hoofs since he is preparing to play his third French Winter Festival in a row. This standarbred has already won 3 times in the “Temple of Trotting” and culminates with more than 70% success in the first three. His form is certain since he has just won at Paris-Vincennes. He will be driven for the first time by Franck Nivard.
6. Moni Viking (7yo): this son of swedish champion Maharajah, winner of the Legend Race 2014, is a model of versatility. Born in Norway, he made the headlines of the trade press, winning the Grand Prix of Aby, his first Group I, driven by Björn Goop. Like Calle Crown, Paris-Vincennes no longer holds any secrets for him. 3 of his 5 victories in Paris-Vincennes were the scene of the 2700 meters of the great track, thus over course and distance.
8. Looking Superb (7yo): second to Bélina Josselyn in the Legend Race vintage 2019, the Scandinavian revelation of winter 2018/2019 was disappointing at the following meeting. Third in the previous edition of Qualif # 1, his best performance in the past twelve months, he has shown nothing convincing for his return to competition in the Prix des Cevennes. Shod, his chances of shining are slim and his trainer gave him a red emoji.
14. Tony Gio (8yo): this son of transalpine champions Varenne and Ilaria Jet hasbeaten champions Aubrion du Gers and Bold Eagle. He wears the silks of Scuderia Bivans like Face Time Bourbon and is trained by Sebastien Guarato. With over a million euros in earnings, qualifying for the Legend Race should logically be no problem. Admittedly, he has just disappointed for his comeback in Paris-Vincennes, but he appears in Qualif # 1 unshod, will be driven by Sulky d’Or Eric Raffin and has a kilometric speed record of 1’11 ” 3 over course and distance.
