November 4, 2016 – Tonight’s Quinte+ Prix de la Ligue Nationale (purse €46,000, 2850 meters, 16 starters) went to 1.13.8kr timed and 6.6/1 Atout de Kacy (6g Orlando Vici-Pretty des Charms) with harness racing trainer Aymeric Thomas driving. This pair defeated 14.6/1 Afghan Barbes (6g Meaulnes du Corta-Nuance Barbes) teamed by David Thomain and trainer Christian Bigeon. The 11.8/1 Alf de Melandre (6g Panache de l’Iton-Luciole de Bisoir) with J.Ph. Monclin aboard.

The Pick5 at Le Croise LaRoche was the Grand Prix du Nord des 5 Ans and 15.4/1 Best du Hauty (5g Roc Meslois-Nadreria) took victory timed in 1.14.5kr for owner/trainer/driver Olivier Bizoux. 21.3/1 Baute en Train (5g Love You-Nanyitiere) for driver/trainer P.Y. Verva. 2.3/1 Black d’Avril (5m Oceano Nox-Olivia d’Avril) landed third.

Sunday at Milano, La Maura is superb racing led by the Gr. I Gran Premio Della Nazione. Lineup follows. The card also includes the Coppa de Milano with three eliminations (each over 1650 meters for a €13,200 purse) and the €55,000 final at end of program.

A fine group of upper level trotters will participate including Sky Dancer, Rossella Ross, Rania Lest, Sundance Bi, Newyork Newyork and Louvre.

Thomas H. Hicks