Winning a Critérium des Jeunes is never easy, even when your name is Philippe Allaire. “I often finished second in this event”, recalls the developer, thinking of Italiano Vero, Golden Bridge or Dollar Macker. The man from Haras de Bouttemont has nevertheless managed to put his name on the list of winners of this Criterium three times since 2008 and the coronation of a certain Ready Cash (That’s it in 2009 et Django Riff in 2016 imitated him).
This fourth success at this level with Just A Gigolo This therefore remains a very special moment for the fitter: “I’m happy because the Group Is are not easy to win. You shouldn’t miss them. »
Relieved by the success of the son of Simm’s Mouthpiece, Philippe Allaire did not hesitate to flatter his driver, Franck Nivard, who made the class speak for his colt by taking command of the event. “Franck had pleaded guilty last time. Adjustments were made and it was better to make the mistake in the preparatory race than in the Criterium. The horse and the driver won as a boss. Adorned with the gray coat, epaulette and red hat, “Francky the cold hand” was a little “warmer” than usual, quickly installing his partner in command. A position that no one was able to challenge him until the post, despite the good end of the race of Jazzy Perrineexcellent dolphin.
For the driver from La Manche, this is his third success in this Group I. The first dates back to 2004 with Nelson de Vandel, trained by Philippe Allaire’s father, Pierre-Désiré. “Seeing Franck Nivard win a Group I with my jersey brings back good memories”, mischievously confides Philippe Allaire, thinking of Ready Cash. No doubt the coach secretly wants to win new ones with his pilot.
The other two groups of the day
Diamant de Tréabat, a real gem
What a great performance by Diamond of Tréabat in the Prix du Pontavice de Heussey (Gr. III), another highlight of the meeting. The pupil of Pascal Monthulé this time overcame the winner of the Prix de l’Île-de-France, Freeman de Houelle. “What a pleasure to ride him,” says his jockey, Clément Frécelle, admiringly. Once again, he was very strong to beat Franck Leblanc’s resident. It was very windy on the way up but I managed to be a bit in the draft of Freeman de Houelle. » In constant progress, Diamond of Tréabat is becoming one of the best mounted trotting geldings. A confrontation with Clegs des Champs is on the program, April 9 in Vincennes.
Cresus di Poggio as expected
Grandissime favorite of the quinté, yesterday at Vincennes, Cresus Di Poggio did not disappoint its many buyers by imposing itself with authority in the Prix d’Orthez (Gr. III). Trained and driven by Jean-Michel Bazire, this 4-year-old male remains undefeated in three attempts this year. He is clearly ahead Inmarosa and Instinct d’Amseparated in that order after a long photograph.