Finish in the top four of the Prix de Belgique – America Races Q6, a goal to open the door to the Prix d’Amérique (January 26). Brilliant winner by going the distance in the GNT Final (December 1), It’s a Dollarmaker appears to have ample means to achieve its goal. For his first participation in a qualifying event at “America”, the student of Sébastien Guarato will present himself as a logical favorite, with the help of Éric Raffin: “He has remained very good since his victory in early December. This Monday morning, he worked straight and gave me complete satisfaction. He is really developing in great shape. At first glance, it looks good. Now you still have to qualify” explains Sébastien Guarato, four-time winner of the Prix d’Amérique. A fourth “B” perhaps a little less high than the previous ones two weeks before the world deadline. The coach of Bordeaux origin does not dwell on these considerations: “At the start of the meeting, we did not have the intention of qualifying him for the Prix d’Amérique. With his winnings, he did not have an attractive program. Besides, he had nothing good to run since his victory in the GNT final (Editor’s note: he went the distance in the Prix Jean Dumouch) and coming back from the second row in the Prix de Bourgogne was not easy. He is ready to do his best and based on what he has shown this winter, not qualifying would be a disappointment. It would be a great reward for its owner..”
“He passed a milestone this winter”
After having battled with the best of his generation (Idao de Tillard – Izoard Védaquais – Ideal Pommel et al) since his start of the year at 5 years old and a third place in the Critérium, the son of Saxo de Vandel appears better than ever at 7 years old now: “He is a physically imposing horse and he needed to gain strength. He ultimately ran very little (35 times). It’s still brand new. This winter, he reached a milestone. He can move forward, remains very tough but can also wait. He has just proven different facets of his talent. It’s important.” Sunday, It’s a Dollarmaker has its destiny in its hands.
As during his two victorious outings this winter, It’s a Dollarmaker will join the Grosbois center on Tuesday and complete his preparation there in the care of Adrien, his son: “Changing his environment doesn’t hurt him. He works in a straight line but also on the track. He is ready and there is not much to invent between now and the race” judge Sébastien Guarato.
