The law of the strongest. Point. This is how to summarize the crowning achievement of Keep Going in the Criterium Continental – America races Q3 (2.100m – GP). If we thought that the hierarchy was fragile within the generation born in 2020, this is no longer the case. The winner of the Critérium des 4 ans fully assumes his status as number 1 in the promotion. Accustomed to playing the role of waiter before placing his sharp point, the son of Follow You reveals another facet of his talent. In an uncompromising race (from 2,000 to 1,500 meters, the tracking data shows an average of 1'05”04). It is as a boss that the uterine brother of Jolie Surprise imposes its implacable supremacy. Come to take the lead on the descent, Keep Going responds consecutively to attacks from Crown, Executive Ek before respecting East Asiawho gave him a strong offensive all along the straight line.
Record d’Europe
On a track that is not very conducive to speed, the winner knocks down the reference time of this classic established by Jushua Tree (1'09''8) in the 2023 edition. The king of the promotion posted 1'09''7, which constitutes the historic record for 4-year-olds over 2,100 meters (auto.) on the European scene. On arrival, his trainer-driver, Mathieu Mottier, the man of this meeting, fully savors this consecration. “I'm on cloud ninehe blurted into Christophe Meyer's microphone. I had a great time. I took the risk of going ahead but I didn't feel like I was riding. When I saw the split times live, I realized I was going too fast. I hesitated to let it go Executive Ek. My horse was fine and I let him go about his business. I won't be able to be offensive every fortnight with him. But today was his goal, continues the one whose training was going to win the 100 at the end of the meetingAnd success of the year 2024 (Kalina Princess).
America more than possible…
If he becomes the eighth trotter to achieve the “C4”-Criterium Continental double over the last four decades, this crowning achievement is synonymous with a qualifying ticket for the Prix d'Amérique. We remember that its pilot had experienced his first classic consecration in this sulky event of Victoirein 2013. “I remember it very well (laughs), he reacts to the mention of the memory sequence. “We didn't go to America with Victoire because I thought she didn't have the level. We wanted to wait another year but that didn't happen anymore. “Keep”, On the other hand, he has it. We will discuss it with its owner, José Davet. The decision is also his. It's in five weeks, we have to see how he will recover. If all goes well, he will run.” According to the formula consecrated, the abundance of goods does no harm. The 32-year-old professional could be doubly represented in the premier event after qualifying Fakir de Mahey (fourth in the Prix du Bourbonnais). In terms of the choice of drive, the choice appears logical. “If both participate, I will lead Keep Going.”
It's nothing but happiness for its owner, José Davet who acquired his champion yearling from Julien Dubois. “It’s the best victory of my career”he admits.
Beaten with honors, the transalpine East Asia is a high-class runner-up. She is the only one who can respond to the winner. “At the start of the straight, I believed in victoryindicated Björn Goop. Of course she runs well.”
At several lengths, the American Crown (3And) is convincing for his first test at Vincennes. “I was confident before the shot”, indicated his mentor Daniel Redén. I knew he could do well on a track like Vincennes. Like I said, it's just belowEpic Kronos. Now his year is over. He will return to Sweden to rest and prepare for the 2025 season.”
Author of a superb end of the race, Ksar, unlucky in his progress, narrowly failed to reach the podium, completing the last five hundred fastest (1'08''1). Despite an unfavorable number 9, Kana de Beylev completes the Quinté+. “She's amazing, she always delivers her value,” says William Bigeon.
The anger of Paul Ploquin
After the race, Paul Ploquin, driver of Khal’s Felladid not hide his anger. “A competitor (Edy Girifalco Gio) fell back in front of us and cut off my horse's legs. My partner found himself face down on the track. I almost fell. It could have been even worse because a competitor was coming behind me (Carlito). The horse ends up with both fetlocks of the hind legs open. Perhaps he dislocated something while trying to make up for it.”
