There were only seven competitors this Friday evening in the 2024 edition of the Prix Xavier de Saint-Palais (Gr. II over 2,175 meters). In the absence of the great leader of the generation, Maple Jeroboamthe possibilities were more numerous for victory, and that is Junerecent third in the Prix Hervé Céran-Maillard (Gr. II), who won the prize. An experienced competitor under the saddle, this Mathieu Mottier resident already had numerous places at this level of competition; without until now having passed the post in the lead in the specialty. This Friday, the daughter of Booster Winner and of Cenora (triple winner in the climb at Vincennes) made a double blow: she won her first victory under the saddle and won her first group, in a race set at a very good pace by Java Dairpetcoming into the lead on the descent. “It was a race that went very quicklyanalyzes Mathieu Mottier to our journalist Corentin Dupont. I quietly moved closer to my hand and overtook them when they didn’t move forward. It wasn’t hard. I’m happy with the mare. Compared to Jean Balthazarmine was probably more ready. In two weeks, it will surely be a different arrival.” Time-wise: 1’10”4, this is the record for the event (previously co-owned by Dexter Fromentro – 2018 et And there you have it from Muze – 2019).
Jean Balthazar second, ahead of Java Dairpet
Sixth in last place for his return to the specialty, Jean Balthazar takes first place and “comes back well”, according to his jockey Benjamin Rochard. “I decided not to go firsthe continues to our journalist. He walks 1’10”6 and equals his record. I think today he was back to his good level. Ultimately, that was all that was missing – but there wasn’t much missing.” Java Dairpet completes the podium, having not been seen in competition since the beginning of June.
