The classic triumph combines in the month of December to Kalif Landia. A year ago, almost to the day, the son ofA Crazy Charm covered himself with glory in the Prix de Vincennes, offering his young trainer, Alexis Grimault, a first consecration at the highest level. Sunday is once again an early Christmas for everyone around us. The 4-year-old champion takes the crown in the Prix Jag de Bellouet. “It’s incredibleconfides his mentor to Christophe Meyer. Last year, I cried my eyes out and had difficulty expressing myself. But this year, things are a little better (laughs).” Between these two consecrations, the hero of this coveted event had no longer passed the post in the lead. “He had some pain that I noticed recently, which may explain the reason. He’d probably had it for a while. He was mainly treated for his back. At home, he showed us that he was better. And we saw it today. This morning, I was hopeful that he wouldn’t come out of the three. To win, it’s different because there was opposition. But we know that in this generation, it’s not always the same person who wins.” For his part, Benjamin Rochard, the jockey, is over the moon. “It’s not easy to have a horse to pin a classic every year. There, we have the chance that it will happen again,” reacts the professional who brings his score to five achievements at group 1 level. In terms of racing appearance, “I was lucky that a competitor covered us (Editor’s note, Kaviarissima). He was able to save a little on the climb. So he was able to finish better. It’s true that he was a little energetic. To be very good, it must be like this to have the necessary enthusiasm. Halfway through the straight, I saw that no one was coming back and that it smelled good. I fully savored the moment because these are difficult races to win.” In fact, the person concerned, drunk with happiness, threw his whip in the air as the post passed.
No Cornulier normally
And Kalif Landia does as well as its elder Ideal Oak which also achieved the same classic double (2021 and 2022), the winner equals the record (1’12”3) of the event Joumba de Guezcrowned in 2023. As a bonus, he propels himself to third place in the ranking of the fastest 4-year-old trotters of all time on the main course courses. A great victory synonymous with direct qualification for the Cornulier. “Normally he should not participate. The time is very good but when I see the “J” time today (Editor’s note, Jezabelle Bie1’11”7), I don’t want to hurt him against more hardened and faster horses.“In a generation, where there are several who share power, Kalif Landia leading the number of classics with Kyt Kat (two). Like the favorites of the other groups I, the latter commits the irreparable at the start. He is “gone wrong”, regrets Thomas Levesque. Usually, we manage to put it back but this was not possible.”
Since its creation, this Prize I de Bellouet was marked by the domination of females (Joumba de Guez et Ideal Oak). This time, the best representative of the fillies fell on a “bone”. Kapaula de l’Epine ranks second, being far from undeserving. I am very happyconfides Adrien Lamy. She finished moving forward, even if she bothered me a little in the final turn where I couldn’t get the winner.” His trainer, Jérémy Van Eeckaute obtains his best ranking in a classic.
New to the specialty, Kaviarissima achieves a great performance, although maintained after investigation (3And). Mathieu Mottier’s partner put on the show ahead of Kelly de Banville et Katinka Aimef.
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