Prix de France kicks off European Grand Circuit

The prestigious European Grand Circuit kicks off on Feb. 8 with the $448,542 Prix de France, which is raced at Hippodrome Paris Vincennes. Foreign bred horses will be looking for revenge against the French born Prix d’Amerique winner, Meaulnes Du Corta. The best finish by a foreigner in the Prix d’Amerique was Opal Viking’s fifth place.

But, Pierre Levesque, trainer of Prix d’Amerique winner, Meaulnes Du Corta, has indicated that he may skip some of the Grand Circuit with that one as well as with Offshore Dream and opt instead for racing overseas. The Prix d’Amerique winner is invited to North America for the Breeders Crown.

Among the 23 declared starters for the Prix de France are a number of horses who raced in the Prix d’Amerique including: Meaulnes du Corta (winner), Nouba Du Saptel (second), Qualita Bourbon (third), Olga Du Biwtz (fourth) and Opal Viking (fifth). There are 18 trotters allowed behind the car/gate at Vincennes. If five horses do not scratch prior to the race, lifetime earnings determine who will start.         

Last year’s Grand Circuit champ, L’Amiral Mauzun is a gelding and thus could not compete in the Prix d’Amerique. He has yet to make a start this season and is not entered in the Prix de France.

In other news, there may be trouble ahead for Exploit Caf (Toss Out), the 2008 Elitlopp winner. After a disappointing performance in the Prix d’Amerique, trainer Fabrice Souljoy said that the Italian champ bled in the race. His future is now uncertain as Lasix is not permitted in European racing.

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