April 9, 2017 – Today’s Grand Prix Baron d’Ardevil AOC Buzet (purse €28,000, 2550 meters distance handicap, 18 European starters) was the featured harness racing event at Beaumont de Lomagne. The well-traveled and 2.4/1 second choice Romi Mms (7f Turbo Sund-Goldy LB) scored, timed in 1.13.8kr, for Yann Lorin. Philippe Billard trains the classy mare in France for Slovenia’s Mitja Slavic, who drives and trains in Austria, Hungary and other eastern European venues.
She now has a win, second and third in three 2017 starts in France. 1.6/1 odds Scellino Luis (6g Andover Hall-Susy Trio) was second for Pierre Vercruysse, driving for trainer Daniel Reden and Lekeryd AB, rallying from a 25 meter handicap. 8.6/1 Clea Madrik (5m Prince d’Espace-Paisy Tivoli) was a distant third for owner/trainer/driver Benoit Robin.
At Challans the Prix de la Ville de Challans (purse €34,000, 2925 meters, 16 starters) went to the unchecked 3.2/1 odds Artiste Vivanciere (7g Onyx du Goutier-Giga Onery) timed in 1.15.5kr for Mlle. Cl. Desmontils, the owner/trainer/driver. 5.4/1 Velite du Goutier (8g Onyx du Goutier-Libie du Comtal) took second for J.Ph. Monclin and trainer Philippe Billard. 12.9/1 Very Nice Music (8f Podosis-Lovely Music) held third on the pegs for owner/trainer/driver Franck Anne.
At Mauquenchy the Prix de Establissemenst Freulet (purse €35,000, 2850 meters, 18 starters) went to 1.15.4kr timed and 3/2 odds Viva de Luna (8f Prodigious-Oree de Strata) reined by Franck Nivard. 12.4/1 Altesse Eclatante (7f And Arifant-Idylle Eclatante) took the two spot for Franck Ouvrie and trainer Luc Rollens. 7/1 Valto (8g Corot-Nouichka du Biwetz) held third.
At Tours the Prix Lexus Toys Plus Tours (purse €32,000, 2800 meters, 16 starters) went to 1.15.7kr timed and 12/1 odds Bad Company (6f Lynx du Goutier-Once Or Twice) for Alexandre Abrivard. The Grand Prix de la Ville de Chambray les Tours (purse €32,000, 2800 meters, 16 starters) at Tours went to 2.2/1 favorite Ardente du Clos (7f Reve des Vallees-Lumiere du Clos) for owner/trainer/driver Matthieu Abrivard. Time was unreported.
Thomas H. Hicks
