Monday morning, Hussar of Landret opened his lungs in preparation for his participation in the third “B”, Sunday in Vincennes. “I took it twice, first on the straight along Marolles-en-Brie, then it completed a course of 1,800 meters on the Château track, recounted Benoît Robin. He appreciates the change in the way he works and there is everything you need to vary the pleasures in Grosbois, so you might as well take advantage of it. The horse looks really good to me.”
Proven winner of the Prix de Bretagne, Hussar of Landret could not then confirm in the “Bourbonnais”. “When he found himself behind the others, it was over, he was no longer in the match and could only follow behind, but he was very flexible, which is what matters most to me. On Sunday, he will present himself with his front legs bare, his hind legs unshod and equipped with sheepskins, like last year in “Burgundy”. (editor’s note, he finished fourth). He will know how to start if necessary, but that is not necessarily the goal. As this will be his last attempt before the Prix d'Amérique, he will have a real race. Inheriting a favorable number, I would be disappointed if he didn't finish in the top three or four.”
Hokkaido Jiel in its element
Further west, on Deauville beach, Hokkaido Jiel also had an active first morning of the week in the company of his trainer, Jean-Luc Dersoir, whom we contacted by telephone on the way back. “It wasn't raining but the weather conditions weren't pleasant, as there was quite a bit of wind. Nevertheless, the work ofHokkaido, with Forever Night for sparring partner, I really liked it. The horse was well toned. He completely reassured me by finishing strong in the “Bourbonnais”. I'm going to unshoe him again on Sunday. This speed course on the big track is a bit like his sport: he won the “René Ballière” in 2023 and ran very well in the Prix de France at the start of the year. With a good number behind the car, I expect a good performance from him. Then, in consultation with my bosses, we will decide whether it goes through “Belgium” or not before the Prix d'Amérique.”
Let us specify thatHokkaido Jiel is one of the four co-holders of the general Vincennes record (1'09''1), over the 2,100 meters of the main track, with Face Time Bourbon, Hohneck et Vivid Wise As.
