Indigo by Fontaine, a solid base

Friday evening, in Vincennes, the Charley Mills Prize will support the Quinté. In this event contested on the 2,700 meters of the main track, there will be fifteen competitors of age (all starting at the same level) to seek succession to the right He And Mewinner of the 2023 edition. Bruno Jolivet, our tipster, trusted Indigo de Fontaine (13) as he explains in our columns: “He broke the screen for his return and can remain undefeated on this course while playing barefoot”. Indeed this highly esteemed subject will evolve “in his garden”, confides its pilot, Alexandre Abrivard, in the training section of ParisTurf. In career, and in harness, this son of Niki has a total of 8 successes in 13 outings on this type of course, i.e. a success rate of 61.5% in winning! And compared to his final outing, this tough guy, who doesn’t need anyone, will evolve barefoot. “Before the shot, it has everything to please, except that it appears a little closecontinues his driver. I especially fear Ibiscus Man (5).” About the feared rival, Indigo de Fontaine blocked his path to success three times during his last seven victories, including twice during the previous winter meeting. Called to climb one or two levels during the previous meeting, the resident of Laurent Abrivard discovers a great opportunity to return to success. He is the logical favorite.

Two essential bases

On paper, Ibiscus Man is one of the twoessential basics” of this event, analyzes our expert. A competitor that he logically placed in second position in his prediction. Hard at work too, this son of Booster Winner has just released a great performance in the GNT stage in Cherbourg (3^e), won by Hero Sibey. Barefoot once again, and led by Eric Raffin, “I’m waiting to see him on the podium”, confides his mentor, Romain Larue.

Harmonista, real metronome

In third position, our specialist places Harmonist (11), of which it is absolutely necessary to erase his recent failure under the saddle. “Back in her favorite specialty, she has a very good card to play,” he analyzes. A true metronome, it counts, from the 1^is January 2023, 4 victories and 13 places in 21 outings, which gives a success rate of 81% at the finish. Logically, she is a candidate for the podium. Bruno Jolivet ranks fourth Cherry Top (2), remaining on two good outings and who has already successfully shod, ahead of the regular Goal Star (12). The latter is one of the fastest of the lot on this type of track, where he has already trotted 1’11”5 (second in March). A reduction which gives him, in theory, a good chance. Self Explosive (9), attractive outsider, Cyrano de B (4) et Girl from Bassière (15), very well committed to winnings, respectively complete their selection of an open event for places. On its true value, an element like Heraldry (3) also has the right to integrate the winning combination. The return of the classic Iroise de la Noé (1) will certainly be followed with interest for the future.

Bruno Jolivet’s numerical prediction: 13-5-11-2-12-9-4-15

100% Quinté: Michel Burgio also retains Indigo de Fontaine in first position

Here is the selection in pictures of Michel Burgio in our 100% quinté show.

Indigo de Fontaine (13) : “He’s a class horse. in my opinion, it is likely to reach a level, or even two, during the next winter meeting. We remember that during the previous winter, he had a total of four victories, all obtained on the main course courses. He is a tough trotter who doesn’t need anyone on a course, which is an advantage. He finds his main rival, Ibiscus Man (5). It is an element thatIndigo de Fontaine has beaten three times in his last seven victories. It’s a logical favorite.”

Ibiscus Man (5) : “He is the main opponent of Indigo de Fontaine. He also does not lack toughness. We remember that in July 2023, he won at Enghien in a race in which Indigo de Fontaine (3^e), who has come a long way since then. The performance deserves to be highlighted. Recently, he had a great performance in the GNT in Cherbourg (3^e). As during this attempt, he will evolve unshod on all four feet, which has been rare for several months. And for only the second time in his career, he will be led by Eric Raffin. It is an essential base likeIndigo de Fontaine.”

Harmonist (11) : “She will try to titillate the first two. She is a candidate for the podium. We are not going to hold it against him for his recent failure on the climb. Here, she returns to harness riding, a specialty in which she demonstrates great consistency. Last May, she won on the course at the expense of the good Hédé Darling and of Goal Starwho will be at the start of this event with a chance. The line is interesting. She won in the good reduction of 1’11”8, which gives her a very good chance.”

Girl from Bassière (15) : “She discovers a good commitment to the earnings ceiling. She will have to face her cadets, and even if she does not have their margin, she is capable of taking a good place by playing the trackers. In August, she ranked third on this course, ahead of Goal Star et Harmonist that she finds. The performance is interesting.”

Self Explosive (9) : “After a long absence, he performed well for his return to the Grand Prix de la Fédération Régionale du Nord (7^e), won by Idao de Tillard. Although the race hadn’t gone very fast that day, his mentor, Vitale Ciotola, was satisfied with his performance. He has raced once since then and has had to improve his condition. By playing a wait-and-see role, he can spice things up a bit. It’s a little poker move.”