The entries for the 2016 Opodo Prix d’Amérique are now closed and a list of 28 potential runners remains. Considering the maximum number going to post is set at 18, and that the final declaration will be made on Thursday at noon, several should directly be withdrawn by their trainers between now and the overnight declaration stage on Wednesday 27th. Those lucky enough to get priority entries have to comply the following race conditions:
Priority is given to both the 2015 Critérium Continental and Prix Ténor de Baune winners, whatever their earnings, as well as to the first six in the rankings established after the Prix de Bretagne, Prix du Bourbonnais, Prix de Bourgogne and Prix de Belgique, according to the following points system: 12 points to the 1st, 6 points to the 2nd, 4 points to the 3rd, 2 points to the 4th, 1 point to the 5th. In case of a dead-head, the horses with the highest career earnings will be retained first.
Final ‘4B’ rankings
- 1.UN MEC D’HERIPRE: 15 pts (0-12-1-2-1)
- 2.TIMOKO: 12 pts (0-0-12-0)
- 2. AKIM DU CAP VERT: 12 pts (12-0-0-0)
- 2. BOLD EAGLE: 12 pts (0-0-0-12)
- 5. VILLAGE MYSTIC: 8 pts (4-4-0-0)
- 6. VOLTIGEUR DE MYRT: 6 pts (0-0-0-6)
Amongst these six, only Village Mystic is doubtful. The others have won their tickets, but did have sufficient career earnings anyway.
As for unstoppable Bold Eagle and Lionel (in picture), they ensured direct access to the 2016 Opodo Prix d’Amérique by landing respectively the Critérium Continental and the Prix Ténor de Baune (watch here). It was above all Lionel who reaped the benefits of the direct qualifier system, as the Norwegian-bred trotter, named after 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, didn’t have enough prizemoney to compete. What a pity that would have been for last summer’s star performer who will be teaming up with top driver Orjan Kihlström (2014 Prix d’Amérique winner on Maharajah) as one of the Big Race’s major players.
