It was a real thunderclap that resounded on the Parisian ash this Sunday. When passing the Prix du Bourbonnais post, Face Time Bourbon, double winner of the Prix d’Amérique who was predicted to be a new success given his superiority, comes second, behind Astonishing. “This proves that a race is still a race and that nothing is decided in advance,” recalls a great professional in the locker room, just after the result of this Group II, second qualifying event for the Prix d’Amérique.
However, after the demonstration of the champion of Sébastien Guarato in the Prix de Bretagne, three weeks earlier, everyone thought that the suspense around America was already folded. Yes, but here it is… “It can happen, he might not have digested the race the other day either,” says Sébastien Guarato. Nevertheless, the stopwatch is there. This will allow us to work well for the last Sunday in January. What is reassuring is that he has never lost twice in a row (smile). A stint at the beach “to wake him up” could be on his schedule before his big winter goal on January 30.
” It is happiness “
As for Astonishing, it marked the spirits. In his signature style, the student of Richard Westerink was eye-catching to go for the one that seemed unbeatable. “It’s only happiness,” said Anthony Barrier at the microphone of Equidia. It gained in handling, especially in the last turn. “Coming out of the back of Face Time Bourbon on the descent to take command, above all, his pilot made a decision that made all the difference. “To find oneself in the wake of Face Time Bourbon could be repeated a few times this winter ”, confided“ mosquito ”, after his second place in the first qualifying event. An observation implemented perfectly and which allows Astonishing to revise its ambitions upwards.
Astonishing, sixth winner of Face Time Bourbon
And Astonishing signed the fifteenth success of his career, he is only the sixth trotter to beat the ogre Face Time Bourbon, which knows only the eighth defeat of his career. (Editor’s note: he was once disqualified and was beaten by Délia du Pommereux, Alrajah One, Davidson du Pont, Falcao de Laurma and Zacon Youth twice). Obviously disappointed to be beaten, the entourage of Face Time Bourbon tried to analyze this second place calmly. “Perhaps we should not have changed the initial program,” said coach Sébastien Guarato. But it was Eric Raffin’s choice. We are not going to regret that. Eric found him a little too calm before the race. And then, the horse reacts better to blinders than to unblock ears. It is also the second time in a row that the horse has run offensively, taking the lead and achieving major mileage reductions.
Qualified Rebella Matters, reassuring Zacon Gio and Délia
This titanic duel should not overshadow the very beautiful end of the race either. Rebella Matters, which validates his ticket for the Prix d’Amérique, placing third, to the delight of his driver Christophe Martens. “If I do not express my joy, I will never do it, fun to answer the Belgian driver about his celebration at the passage of the post. The mare sprinted really well, and I’m really happy to have a potential candidate for places in the Prix d’Amérique. “
Slightly behind the trio, the right marks are to be awarded Zacon Youth, which accelerated well in the final phase when it was not equipped with any artifice, and Délia du Pommereux, excellent for his return to Vincennes.
