Offshore Dream wins in Paris

Offshore Dream, a 5-year-old son of Reve d’Udon, has pulled a stunning upset in the $1.3 million Prix d’Amerique at Vincennes racetrack in Paris, France, winning by open lengths in a record mile rate of 1:55.4 for the 2,700 meter race, which is about 1 3/4 miles.

On a cloudy and cool, but not cold day in Paris, a pack grandstand of spectators saw trainer Pierre Levesque leave from post one and place Offshore Dream second-over while the three horses from the stable of trainer Jean-Michel Bazire—Kesaco Phedo, Jardy and Kazire De Guez—took turns on the lead.

But as the field made the turn for the stretch drive to the wire, Levesque tipped Offshore Dream to the outside and he brushed past the leaders and drew away to an open-lengths victory. Finishing second was Kool Du Caux (Bijou du Bignon), followed by Kazire De Guez (Udo De Touraine) and Kesacho Phedo (Caballio In Blue).

The approximately $665,000 winner’s share of the purse gives Offshore Dream lifetime earnings of about $1,248,000.

It is quite unusual for a horse as young as Offshore Dream to win the Prix d’Amerique. Only 12 five year olds have captured the race, the last was Verdict Gede in 1992.

Offshore Dream is a homebred owned by Ecurie de Rougemont.

Offshore Dream now stands next to Revenue as the top performers of their sire. Not as large as most French-breds, Offshore Dream has been compared in stature to Revenue, who came to the U.S. in 2004 and won the Nat Ray at the Meadowlands and the Allerage Farm Trot at Lexington before retiring to stud at Perretti Farms with career earnings of $1,998,608.

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