Stall Trot, Inc.

April 4, 2013

Veteran 10 year-old gelding Commander Crowe (Juliano Star-Somack-Mack Lobell) just scored his first victory on the comeback trail for trainer Fabrice Souloy, winning the Olympia Trial II (Faber Elite Challenge). Matthieu Abrivard got the driving assignment today and directed the Commander on the front gate to wire in this 2,600 meter (1-5/8 mile) event to win by 1-1/4 lengths. The purse was only 6,875 euro, with the winners share to owner Snogarps Gard AB. Commander Crowe is a lifetime winner of over $3.1 million euro.

Vasterbocheckpoint (8h Comet’s Tail) finished second for Peter J. Stropper with Icare de Bois (9h Pine Chip) third for Nico D’Haenens in a less than stellar field. The race was contested off the starting car at Hippodrome Wolvega (Pays Bas) in the Netherlands. Commander Crowe covered the distance in 3:20.8 (mile rate 2:04.21). Next up for Commander Crowe is reportedly April 20 in the Olympiatravet at Aby.

OLYMPIA TR. II – 19H30
Attelé Autostart 2600m – 6.875 €
ArrivéeTemps de la course : 3'20"80 Disqualifiés : 10

Stall Trot, Inc.
Thomas H. Hicks

March 31, 2013

Owen CR with Pietro Gubellini driving easily won the featured Prix Giorgio Jegher today at Trieste. The winner, a five year-old son of Cantab Hall-Boemia CR-Lemon Dra, took the winners share of the 45,100 euro purse covering 1,660 meters at a mile rate of 2:01. Irambo Jet (9h by Zambesi Flash-Taiga Hawk-Napoletano) was second with Lemon Ice (8h by Lemon Dra-Cabella Gi-Supergill) third.

Today at Romme (SWE), Bagley (8g by Bartali OK-Novel Boshoeve-Cheetah, registered in Denmark) took the Olympiatravet Elim. II for Conrad Lugauer in a mile rated time of 1:57.62. This event carried a purse of 281,000kr, raced at a distance of 2,140 meters (1-5/16 miles). Monster Drive (7h by Thai Tanic-Kewpie-Pearsall Hanover) was second for Ake Svanstedt with Francais du Gull (6h by Jag de Bellouet-Tantiem Gull-Lindy Lane) third for Eric Adielsson. The beaten field also included Nahar, Shaq Is Back, On Track Piraten and Caddie Comet.

On March 29 Eskilstuna hosted the Coop Konsum Katrineholm for a purse of 141,000kr. I Saw You (8g by Love You-I Saw Molly-Lindy’s Crown) scored for Ake Lindblom at a mile rate of 2:00.67 over the 2140 meter course, defeating Friction (6h by Scarlet Knight-Hermit Lady-Express Ride) and trainer/driver Stefan Melander. Veteran international competitor Lord Capar (8h by Varenne-Foxy’n Rowdy-Rowdy Yankee) was third. Friction is a potential Elitloppet invitee.

Also on March 29 the Prins Carl Phillips Jubileumspokal at Farjestad produced a hard fought win for Panne de Moteur (5h by Credit Winner-Jalopy-Donerail) and Orjan Kihlstrom defeating Oasis Bi (5h by Toss Out-Up Front JM-Self Possessed) with Bjorn Goop up. Juliano Rags (5h Juliano Star-Julia Rags-Super Arnie) finished third. This event, over 1640 meters, carried a purse of 474,500kr. The winner, from a Hambletonian Oaks winning dam, is considered a contender for the May Elitloppet. ATG recently profiled what is considers being the most likely Elitloppet contenders (horse, trainer, country):

• Brad de Veluve, T. Korvenoja (FI)
• Commander Crowe, F. Souloy (FR)
• Mister Herbie, J. Gillis (CA)
• Timoko, R. Westerink (FR)
• Raja Mirchi, L. Kolgjini, (SW)
• Sanity, M. Lofgren (SW)
• The Best Madrik, J. Et. Dubois (FR)
• Panne de Moteur, S. Hultman (SW)
• Tamla Celeber, R. Walmann (SW)

On Saturday March 30 at Kincsem Park, Orlando Bloom (5h by Zador-Donna Summer) won the Cyrano Handicap (500,000 HUf) over 2,560 meters (1-5/8 miles), plus his 20 meter handicap, for Andrea Nagyvary and trainer Imre Fazekas. Fazekas was second in a tight photo driving stable mate Ollyan Nincs (4h by Pickaflkick-C’est la Guerre) after leading from the start. Both were making their first 2013 appearances. Newly arrived Rosamundi (5m Chipmate-Kama Sutra) from Sweden was a competitive third over a heavy racecourse affected by snow and then thawing.

Stall Trot, Inc.
Thomas H. Hicks

March 27, 2013

The hot-trotting Swedishman (Gogo-Valgana) won today’s Grand National du Trot at Hippodrome Marseille-Borely. Trained and driven by Thierry Duvaldestin (trainer of Ready Cash), Swedishman overcame a 25 meter handicap to score easily in this 3,000 meter (1-7/8 mile) test carrying a purse of 90,000 euro. Finishing second was Recital Carisaie with Eric Raffin aboard with third going to Singapore Sling and Christophe Martens. Swedishman covered his 3,025 distance in 3:44.14, a mile rate of 1:59. This was Leg #2 of the 13 leg series with a final set of December 1 at Paris-Vincennes. Swedishman captured Leg #1 of the 2013 series on March 6 at Amiens.

On March 26 at Paris-Vincennes the five year-old mare United Express (Let’s Go Along-Fangonie-And Arifant) captured the 2,100 meter, 48,000 euro Prix Appolonia (all five year-old mares) for Julien Dubois defeating another Let’s Go Along daughter, Union Mystique. United Express covered the distance in 2:34.62 (mile rate 1:58.42). Her pedigree is rich with money earners as the dam Fangonie produced $252,000 winner Really Queen (by Gros Grain) and the second dam is the $409,000 winner Rangone (by High Echelon). Rangone is the dam of Dream With Me, a winner of $1.7 million and Hangone, she the dam of Daguet Rapide ($2.1 million), Quatre Juillet ($381,000) and Poker Dream ($352,000).

Also of interest were victories by two well-bred four year-old US exports on March 24 at Sorlandet (NO). Both driven by Frode Hamre, One In A Million (Donato Hanover-Mom’s Millionaire –Pine Chip) scored in 1.14.7kr and Megamuscle (Muscles Yankee-Armbro Vanity-Pine Chip) was victorious in 1.15.3kr, both events over the 2,140 meter distance.

Stall Trot, Inc.
Thomas H. Hicks

Pompano Beach, FL (March 27, 2013) – Fred Segal, President of the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Racing Writers Association (USHWA), has announced that the chapter is now accepting applications for its 2013 Allen J. Finkelson Scholarship Awards. The scholarship fund was established in memory of Allen J. Finkelson, the former Vice President of Public Relations at Pompano Park and longtime Chairman of the Board of the national USHWA organization.

Preference for these scholarship awards will be given to a student majoring in journalism, communications or equine related studies. Last year there were three awards of $1,000 each.

Applicants must be a resident of the State of Florida and currently accepted or enrolled in a fully accredited college or university in the United States.

Criteria for selection include community service, academic achievement, and leadership. Applicants must have demonstrated scholastic ability with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.8 and show evidence of community service and leadership through certificates, awards and/or letters of commendation.

Fully completed applications must be postmarked no later than June 30, 2013, for consideration of a September 2013 award. Recipients may reapply annually for a maximum of four years.

Applications should be submitted/addressed to the Florida Chapter USHWA, Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 669273, Pompano Beach, FL 33066. For more information or to receive an application on the internet, contact Thomas Hicks at renparlc@gate.netor Steven Wolf via email at stevenwolf1956@gmail.com.

Hippodrome de la Cote d’Azur (at Cagnessurmer) hosts the Gr. I Gran Criterium de Vitesse on March 10. This one mile annual sprinter classic (autostart) offers a purse of 200,000 euro. The international race is open to 4-10 year olds (geldings excluded) and follows the Prix de Paris by two weeks. While many of the leading stallions have begun stud duty this race produces a fine field each year. The first engagement shows entries as follows:

Criterium de Vitesse – 200.000 – Gr. 1 – m. 1609

1. She Loves You (x)
2. Amour d’Occagnes(x)
3. Le Cannibale (x)
4. Zorro Photo (P. Vercruysse)
5. DilevaKall (x)
6. Mack Grace Sm (R. Andreghetti)
7. Look Mp (x)
8. Irving Rivarco(P. Gubellini)
9. Paladin Bleu (x)
10. Libeccio Grif (M. Smorgon)
11. Lover Power (x)
12. NestaEffe(R. Vecchione)
13. Quinoa du Gers (M. Abrivard)
14. Reve de Beylev (E. Raffin)
15. Quoumba de Guez(x)
16. The Best Madrik(J.Et. Dubois)
17. Save the Quick (x)
18. Timoko (J. Verbeeck)
19. Main Wise As (P. Levesque)

Throughout its history the Gran Criterium de Vitesse has produced speed and showcased classic trotters. The race record of 1:51.98 was established by Varenne in 2002. Multiple winners include Une de Mai (5 victories), Ourasi (4), Meaulnes du Corta (2), Eleazar (2), and Bellino II (2). Many US and Canadian registered horses have won this event, the most recent being Moni Maker in 2000. Other North American registered winners are Spice Island (1983), Crowning Classic, Giant Force, Peace Corps, Gum Ball, Sea Cove and Express Ride

Stall Trot Inc.
Thomas H. Hicks

Timoko, driven by Joseph Verbeeck for owner/trainer Richard Westerink, won the “Flying Mile” at Cagnes ser mer today. This one mile Gr. I UET Masters Series event, for a purse of 200,000 euro, is the most prestigious mile sprinter event in France and the annual feature at Hippodrome Cote d’Azur. The son of Imoko-Kiss Me Coulonces-And Arifant) has been chasing Ready Cash and Royal Dream during the winter meet at Paris-Vincennes. Today was his day as Verbeeck hustled him to the lead, yielding briefly to The Best Madrik before re-taking the front with 600 meters to go. He inched away in deep stretch for a 1-3/4 length score over the game The Best Madrik (Coktail Jet-Lady Madrik-Biesolo), with J. Et. Dubois up, and Reve de Beylev (Fortuna Fant-Heloise Poterie-Tosian Poterie) driven by Eric Raffin. Timoko covered the mile in 1:52.88. Each of the top nine finishers was timed under 1:54. Thirteen went to the gate after the scratch of Neste Effe.

Timoko was second choice in the field at 2.6/1. Today’s victory was his 14th lifetime in 41 starts for career earnings of 1,392,830 euros. Favored Main Wise As (1.8/1) broke at the start and was disqualified.

While each of the top three finishers have some American pedigree, all have inbreeding coefficients under 4%, and each have French trotter/standardbred mix in excess of 52% (Timoko 65% French trotter, The Best Madrik 52% and Reve de Beylev 72%). Timoko’s sire, Imoko, is a son of Viking’s Way, he by Mickey Viking by Bonefish. His dam, Kiss Me Coulonces is by And Arifant, by Sharif di Iesolo, he by Quick Song.

There were two other one-mile sprints on today’s card, the most interesting being a 10,000 euro amateur event (Prix de Livourne) in which Italian trotters finished 1-2-3. The winner, Noah Bi (Toss Out-Fitness Bi-Sugarcane Hanover), covered the mile in 1:55.18 for driver M.L. Alessi, trainer Holger Ehlert and owner Scuderia Free Rabbit. The next two across the line were from Florida Pro and Speedy Crown mares. Earlier the Prix de Milan (purse 26,000 euro) was won by Umberto Mologni and driver Eric Raffin in 1:57.91. This winner is from a Workaholic dam.

Stall Trot, Inc.
Thomas H. Hicks

Swedishman, a 7 year-old gelded son of Gogo, trained and driven by Thierry Duvaldestin, overcame a 25 meter handicap to win the first leg of the prestigious Gr. III GNT (Grand National du Trot) at Amiens yesterday. GNT carried a purse of 90,000 euro for the 2,900 meter distance, plus handicaps imposed on the highest lifetime money winners. Swedishman covered the distance (2,925 meters) in a mile rate time of 1:58.74 to defeat Reggae d’Urzy (Coktail Jet) driven by Franck Ouvrie. Swedishman has now won five of his last six starts and 18 of 40 lifetime, for career earnings of 419,230 euro. Swedishman was the 1.8/1 favorite in this contest that was the Quinte+ (national pick 5 plus jackpot) race in France.

The GNT visits 13 tracks in France (Amiens, Marseille-Borely, Saint-Galmier, Toulouse, La Capelle, Laval, Reims, Saint-Malo, Marseille-Vivaux, Cherbourg, Lyon-La-Soie, Nantes and Marquenchy) before a point based final on December 1 at Paris-Vincennes. Considered a potential stepping stone for classic races, the GNT has been won in recent years by Riskaya (2012), Quif de Villeneuve (2011), Quoumba de Guez (2010) and Oasis Gede (2008). GNT brings a quality event with national scope to more rural markets, thereby broadening the fan base for horse racing.

Stall Trot, Inc.
Thomas H. Hicks

Arqana Trot held its annual Mixed Sale on March 5 at Deauville. 189 head were presented for sale, of which 110 sold for an average of 9,779 euro, down from the 2012 average of 12,343 euro. Gross sales totaled 1,075,700 euro, down slightly from prior year in which 89 sold from 131 presented. This year’s market leader was the 5 year-old stallion Up Market (by Obrillant) that produced a winning bid of 86,000 euro from Ecurie Escapade (trainer Ronny Kuiper). Up Market won two Gr. I events in 2011 and has lifetime earnings of 520,600 euro. He has made three 2013 starts earned a check in two Gr. II events at Paris-Vincennes .

The sale leaders also included the 6 year-old broodmare TemilePierji (by Jag de Bellouet) with a filly foal by The Best Madrik for 60,000 euro; 11 year-old broodmare Ocely de la Merite (Workaholic) in foal to Love You for 50,000 euro; a share in The Best Madrik (Coktail Jet), an entrant in Sunday’s Gran Criterium de Vitesse at CagnessurMer, for 45,000 euro and the 5 year-old stallion Ugnat de Mada (Nadaillac) for 45,000 euro. Two Italy registered race mares also sold, the first being 7 year-old Maesta di Casei (Lemon Dra-ComtesseFerm-Diamond Way) for 35,000 euro. This mare, a winner of 15 races for 128,956 euro, is a half-sister to classic winner Linda di Casei (Uronometro). The second Italian mare sold was 5 year-old Onestar LB (Cantab Hall-Gilly LB-Supergill) that brought 28,000 euro. This mare (record 1:55.85 mile rate) has posted 7 wins and 93,189 euro earned

The next Arqana Trot sale is April 23 at Cabourg.

Ready Cash and Franck Nivard rallied from last at the top of the stretch, following Teigo d’Etang and Christian Bigeon, to nail his rival by a nose at the wire. Covering the 2-5/8 mile (4,150 meters) course at a mile rate of 2:00.35 (race time 5:10.48), Ready Cash has won the Grand Prix d’Amerique (twice), Grand Prix de France and now the marathon Grand Prix de Paris (purse 400,000 euro). Quoumba de Guez (J-M Bazire), Roxana de Barbrey (D. Locqueneux) and Maharajah (O. Kihlstom) completed the top five. Prix du Cornulier winner Singalo (L. Baudron),broke and was disqualified. Timoko, third in the Prix de France for Jos. Verbeeck, was well placed throughout but came up empty when it counted and finished seventh, behind sixth place Save The Quick (E. Raffin).

Ready Cash (Indy de Vive-Kidea-Extreme Dream) won his first Gr. I race at age three and has competed at the highest level ever since, while also becoming a popular and effective stallion. Now age eight, Ready Cash is trained by Thierry Duvaldestin for owner Philippe Allaire. He was the 3/5 favorite today in this International Gr. I UET Masters Series event, conducted on a snowy, cold afternoon at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes.

Videos of the Prix de Paris race and festivities may be viewed by links below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RalqyY5F9q8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkdmJIfOeoo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK1JV4-IXQA

On the undercard Oropuro Bar (Love You-Ubatuba Oaks-Armbro Goal) easily took the Gr. III 100,000 euro Prix de la Mayenne for trainer/driver Marco Smorgon. The 2.2/1 favored 5 year-old stallion scored over the 2,700 meter course in a mile rated time of 1:58.10, his third straight win at Vincennes since January 22. Italian invaders finished in the top three placings in this event

Stall Trot Inc. Thomas H. Hicks

At day-4 the field for Sunday’s 400,000 euro Prix de Paris has narrowed to 12, led by Ready Cash, Maharajah and Main Wise As (a son of Yankee Glide). Timoko, a solid third in the Prix de France, again has Jos. Verbeeck named to drive. Swedish entry Juggle Face, trained by Lutfi Kolgjini, will have Eric Adielsson in the bike. The 4,150 meter (2-5/8 mile) marathon promises to be an interesting tactical battle for this talented field of international trotters.

Separately, it was reported by newspaper “Quest-France” and Paris-Turf that Workaholic died Tuesday at age 31 at Haras du Pin where he had resided since 1989. The 1982 son of Speedy Crown-Ah So-Speedy Count won the Harriman Cup, Breeders Crown and Matron Final at age 2, returning at age 3 to win the American National and placing second in the Breeders Crown and Dexter Cup. Workaholic is credited by many as revolutionizing the French “trotteur”.

Workaholic remains an important broodmare sire, as evidenced by Avila’s win in last Sundays’ Gr. I, 200,000 euro,Criterium des Jeunes.  Avila is a 3 year-old filly by Ready Cash from the Workaholic mare Encombevineuse, thus being a 49%/51% French-standardbred mix. Encombevineuse has delivered 12 foals by ten different sires, with ten money earners and seven with sub-2:00 mile rated records. Among her important winners are two classic winners at age 3, Kinder Jet (US$623,262) by Full Account and Quaro ($704,265) by Kiwi.

Workaholic’s American pedigree also continues through the sires Carpe Diem and Cygnus d’Odyssee.