In this Prix Jules Lemonnier, the headliners of the mounted trotters will continue their journey towards the Queen’s event: the Prix de Cornulier (January 19). Competing in this group II, Ideal Oak is probably, at the moment, the best contender for the final title. The resident of Julien Le Mer has just scored points for her return to the specialty. Absent under the saddle since her coronation in the Centaures (Gr. I) on March 2, Paul Ploquin’s partner was seen in the Prix Paul Buquet. “I am all the more delighted that it stood out because I had not sharpened it forhis mentor told our journalist, Bruno Jolivet, at the beginning of the week. Here, she returns to a speed course which will not bother her since she triumphed in the Centaurs at the end of the previous meeting. It will, of course, appear in racing mode. It will be “D4” and equipped with blinders.” If it should then line up in Calvados (January 5) to further maintain the condition two weeks before the big meeting, Ideal Oak is ready to follow up with a third success in a row on the climb.
The funny ladies are out
At the highest level, it is the females who make the law. This season, Ideal Oak (Centaurs), Edition Géma (Henri Desmontils) and newly retired women Geisha Speed (Ile-de-France) and Esperanza Idole (Cornulier) won the four major events on the calendar. Two other funny ladies will be competing in this group II. These are the fastest mares of all time at Vincennes. On the route of the day, Blue Granvillaise posted 1’09”9 in the 2022 edition of this Jules Lemonnier Prize, whileHanna des Molles triumphed in 1’09”6 in the Prix Paul Delanoé (Gr. III), in June. After being disrupted by lung problems last winter, the first named, who has just finished fourth in the Prix Paul Buquet, “is much better than this time last year”, confides Pierre Levesque to David Fricaux (read elsewhere). At the end of a more fluid course this time, there would be nothing surprising to see her running making progress and playing a very leading role. As for Hanna des Mollesshe sows some doubt in those around her. Third of Fulton and of Blue Granvillaise in the Reynolds (November 4) for his return under the saddle, “elle should have prepared for this race by competing in the Bourbonnais (Editor’s note, December 8), explains Alexandre Abrivard to Emmanuel Ballot. But she had a slight setback, limping on one knee. She was treated but I’m waiting. If his behavior is good this Saturday, he will then have two or three races left before entering stud..” Whether for all her supporters, or on a sporting level, we can bet that the three-time group I winner under the saddle provides her value for the major events to come. If this is the case, the representative of Jean-Louis Béraud has, of course, a first chance to defend. Another funny lady, Edition Géma is, at almost 11 years old, better than ever it seems. Recent runner-upIdeal of Oak, the daughter of Great Prince has, once again, put his heart on the track and will set off with logical ambitions. The champions Ina et Rib Swallow (railed) continue their rise in power with a view to Calvados and Cornulier (read Wednesday edition). On his harness class, Deus Zack, ridden by Éric Raffin, is not incapable of revealing himself for his debut under the saddle. Mistrust…
Also read :
– Ideal for Oak in training
– Victory for Idéale du Chêne in the Prix Paul Buquet
– Hanna des Molles, much more than a mare of a lifetime
– Géma edition at its best
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