Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Prix d'Amerique Just Two Weeks Away

January 12, 2006

Europe’s biggest trotting rac--the Prix d'Amerique--that is set to be contested at Paris' l’Hippodrome Vincennes on January 29, will hopefully feature some of the continent's best diagonally-gaited specialists. Last year's winner Jag de Bellouet is coming into the event amid rumors of unsoundness. He was tested in an under saddle race (monte) at Vincennes on Sunday, January 8, but was disqualified and placed last for being rough-gaited.

Trainer Christophe Gallier told the French press that all is well with his trotter, who will next gear up for the Prix de Cornulier, he world’s richest monte event, to be raced one week before the Prix d’Amerique, on January 22 at Paris.

Kesaco Phedo, who won the Prix d’Amerique in 2004, must finish first or second in the Prix de Belgique on January 15 in order to gain a spot in the 2006 Prix d’Amerique. A horse must earn at least 31,000 Euros ($37,000) since January 1, 2005 to qualify for the Prix d'Amerique. Kesaco Phedo has earned only 10,000 Euros since last year.