The starters’ table – R1 C1 – Prix de Joinville
The forces involved
Hugo Langeweg Jr is not the type to travel to the Paris region for tourist purposes. Thanks to Russel November, Duke of Greenwood, Titanium Gar or Goofy Greenwood, the Dutch professional has regularly shone in the temple of the trotting during the last decade. With Greatman de Busset (6), his new “nugget”, he can certainly pin a new success on the ashes of Vincennes.
Much less reliable, Castelets Warrior (4) however has the sufficient means to shine in such a society. We can bet that Jean-Michel Bazire will know how to “tame” this son ofUniclove. Very efficient when presented without shoes on the hind legs, George Haufor (9) will rally, logically, many votes. Certainly, Gregorio (1) has rarely convinced on the big track, but its most recent performances show it in clear progress.
Unpredictable but endowed with good resources, Guru (11) and Gold d’Ecroville (2) would only have to show diligence to play an active role. Gino Viva (7) Certainly lacked a course last and should show itself in its best light. Very serious and pugnacious, the “little one” Georges the Adventure (10) will know how to exploit the slightest failure of the aforementioned competitors.
Equidia’s prediction
The starters in detail and the opinion of the pros
1 – Gregorio
This son of Quarlos has a poor record on the main track at Vincennes: only one podium in eight tests, including five disqualifications. However, its form is safe and it has reached a plateau with the removal of all four feet. Warning.
The opinion of Antoine Dabouis, driver:
“After a very good season, Gregorio (1) had eased off at the end of summer. Since we took him off all four feet, he has come a step further. We hadn’t planned to run this race, but the lot got worse. Its shape is secure and it gains in maneuverability. Even if the lot is higher than usual, I am leaving confident for the places. “
2 – Gold d’Ecroville
Without his many faults, this protected Bruno Marie would have a much better bank account. Regularly noted, he only folded in the last meters on December 30, after being led offensively. To remember absolutely.
The opinion of Bruno Marie, trainer:
“Gold d’Ecroville (2) regained shape. On December 30, I played my all-out going ahead. He was only dominated in the last few meters of the race, without demerit. It has no headroom, but still displays a nice shape. I prefer him when he runs in hiding. With a favorable course, it should appear for the places.“
3 – Grigri Boy
Like his mother, Tahitienne Girl, this protégé of Yves Dreux found his way with the mounted trot. Now barred from the harness, he must benefit from favorable circumstances to distinguish himself in this specialty. To be considered only at the end of the combination.
The opinion of Yves Dreux, trainer:
“Grigri Boy (3) has fulfilled his contract twice on the mounted trot. I directed him in this specialty because he is a very good tracker. It is always more obvious to find the day under the saddle. He found the harness in very good physical condition. It will all be a question of course, but he holds a regular chance. “
Without a fault in the last meters, this student of Guillaume Gillot would have taken third place in the Prix de Juvignac on December 24. His theoretical luck is obvious and Jean-Michel Bazire was called in to help. A question of wisdom.
The opinion of Guillaume Gillot, trainer:
“Castelets Warrior (4) could not help but make the mistake around the post on December 24 … But there was better in his behavior. If he repeats this value, he can grab a place at the end of the combination. His “music” is eloquent, it is difficult to recommend warmly.“
5 – Gabo di Rocca
After an honorable career under the auspices of Richard Westerink, this son ofAkim from Cape Verde recently joined the workforce of Alexandre Wissocq. Its form is questionable and it must above all reassure at the present time. Tempting dead end.
The opinion of Alexandre Wissocq, trainer:
“We are still in the discovery phase with Gabo Di Rocca (5). But I think we are on the right track. I hope to see him run in progress. I’m going to ask his driver to “shave the walls”. I would like to see him draw a nice straight line. However, in the face of such opposition, we have no pretensions.“
Imperial on December 10, this gelding confirmed its good disposition in the Prix de Compiègne, despite an unenviable course. He still has a little leeway and the fact of being unshod from the previous ones suits him. Barring an incident, he will not be far from the truth.
The opinion of Hugo Langeweg Jr, trainer:
“Greatman de Busset (6) has been training at the beach since his recent second place finish. I am very happy with his exercises. Since his last victory on December 10, he cannot be stripped of his hind legs. He proved to us last time that it wasn’t upsetting. Once again I expect very good value from him. With a good trip, his place is on the podium. “
7 – Gino Viva
Winner almost once in three since the beginning of his career, this regular subject certainly needed to find the rhythm on the day of his return. Unclothed from the hindquarters this time, it should be more incisive. Potential placement.
The opinion of Gabriele Gelormini, driver:
“Gino Viva (7) is a gifted horse, whom I consider to be lagging behind in earnings. It is still brand new. He showed his competitiveness on the main track at Vincennes. His comeback race must have allowed him to get in condition. Flawless at the start, he should not come out of the top five. I leave confident.“
8 – Loyal Golfer
This resident of Matthieu Abrivard better than his recent music suggests. Finally, he was closing in in significant action at the time of his fault at the intersection of the tracks. However, his mentor is not very optimistic …
The opinion of Matthieu Abrivard, coach:
“Loyal Golfer (8) broke up in the last bend on January 2. You really have to run it beaten to get the best out of it. I’ll ask my brother to drive it along the rope. Before the blow, our ambitions are limited to the sixth or seventh place. He only has a secondary chance.“
9 – Geogio Haufor
Endowed with a nice final burst of speed, this pure product “Bigeon” approaches this meeting in full possession of its means. Rarely disappointing when it comes without shoes from the hindquarters, it is a priority choice.
The opinion of Christian Bigeon, trainer:
“George Haufor (9) gave me complete satisfaction on the occasion of his third place on December 24th. He remained in a similar condition and I am awaiting confirmation from him. He has a regular chance.“
Passed by the races to claim, this endearing trotter always gives the best of itself. Presented with freshness, it must all the same run “beaten” to give its full potential. Faced with such opposition, he can only aim for a small place.
The opinion of Anaïs Michel, representative of the coach:
“Georges l’Aventure (10) is a regular horse who always gives the best of himself. It settles down over time and becomes much more convenient to use. He is most effective when he is running in hiding. It’s the course of the race that will make the difference. I would be disappointed not to see him finish in the top five.“
11 – Guru
In three tests on the long courses of the big track, this representative of Jean-Pierre Barjon has never done better than fifth. He has the “engine” to compete in such a society, but his behavior remains difficult to predict. A matter of printing.
The opinion of Mathieu Mottier, trainer and driver:
“Finally, Guru (11) the “pencils” got tangled in the last bend. It remains delicate to use. However, he’s in great shape and ready to deliver his best value. If all goes well, he’ll be on the podium. “
12 – Garry Thoris
Absent since 1is October, this representative of Jacques Cottel risks finding the time long against very sharp rivals, especially since he will remain shod. Better just watch it run.
L’avis de Léo Abrivard, driver:
“Garry Thoris (12) will find the way to the competition. He has not run since October 1 and was neutered. For his return, he will certainly lack the competition to be successful. I’m just expecting a good straight line.“
13 – Tillard Cheetah
Highly esteemed at the start of his career, this student of Sylvain Roger has generally been disappointing in recent months. He obtained his best titles on the flat tracks and his final performance is hardly reassuring. Other protagonists are preferable to him.
The opinion of Tristan Ouvrie, employee of the Sylvain Roger team:
“Cheetah of Tillard (13) ran in progress on December 18. He has been in good shape in the morning ever since. He has no room for maneuver and needs a route to the economy. If all goes well, he can grab fifth place.“
14 – Lucas genius
Clearly blocked on the harness, this son of Prodigious took most of his gains under the saddle. Even if he discovers a favorable entry, not far from the ceiling, he will have a hard time competing against such rivals. Tempting dead end.
The opinion of Bruno Marie, trainer:
“Lucas Genius (14) returned to the harness after a good fifth place on the mounted trot. The racing conditions are favorable to him and he is not deprived of resources on the sulky. He doesn’t have a first chance, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take fifth place with a good clear run. “
15 – Grand Canyon
COf course, this intermittent subject has not been seen since September 22, but it will present itself with its hind legs on the occasion of this golden engagement. If it is sharp enough, it is capable of achieving a shine.
The opinion of Luc Roelens, trainer:
“Like many horses in my stable, Grand Canyon (15) has long been arrested due to illness. After several months without competition, I’m afraid that will not forgive in the middle of a winter meeting. Even if he behaves well in training, he may need a race or two to regain his best level.“
Statistics
Press favorites
The reference race
December 30, in the Prix de Compiègne. Relayed in the descent, Gold d’Ecroville regained the advantage at the start of the climb, then broke away in the final turn before suffering a triple attack near the post. Among them, Greatman de Busset (2nd). Forced to bring back the wagon of the second layer, he was able to breathe at the top of the climb, then remarkably revived.
The “3 Minutes Pronos”
To come…