The physical problem (small myositis) having deprived her of participation in the Prix Ténor de Baune has definitely been put away in the aisle of bad memories. Joumba de Guez gave a real recital in this group III open to 5 and 6 year olds, obviously worthy of a semi-classical. Fallen to the lead one lap from the finish, the daughter of Quoumba de Guez got the class talking, even resuming a start at the end of the course to reach the detached post, deploying magnificent drives. This is his second success in seven attempts in the specialty, after the Prix Jag de Bellouet 2023 (Gr. I).
“Equipped with a quarter of blinders for the first time, she rode well in front and was pleasant, appreciated his co-trainer Jean-Michel Bazire. Now all that remains is to unshoe it with all four feet!” On the occasion of the Prix de Cornulier, in two weeks? “If everything goes well by then, we will definitely go, yes.”
JMB does not open the umbrella to fetishize himself, but keeps in mind, like all professionals, that one day’s truth is rarely the next day’s truth with horses. The current case of Jushua Tree constitutes a glaring example. As in humans, respiratory viruses, favored by significant temperature variations, circulate in stables and we have to pass between the drops.
Éric Raffin was convinced that he had created a legitimate contender for Group I on January 19. “Given the style of her success today, she has the right to try her luck with ambitions. If I am asked to ride it, I will be associated with it! With her blinders on, she reminded me Roxane Griff…” A champion that he had led to success twice in the Prix de Cornulier, in 2014 and 2015.
Dolphin reactions
Uterine sister of the phenomenal gelding Cleangame, par Express Jet, Keengame achieved a top performance by interposing between two 6-year-olds. “I did not have the desired position in the course, having to progress with my nose to the wind, but I came to my hand, without putting it in the red, explained Anthony Barrier. We had replaced his closed hat with downward blinders, it was conclusive. She runs really great. Her hesitation a hundred meters from the post is entirely my fault, I grabbed her too suddenly. I would have blamed myself if she had galloped; she was nice to me (smile).”
Although having reached the podium, the metronome Jean Balthazar did not completely convince his faithful partner, Benjamin Rochard. “He behaved well, but still disappointed me a little, because I thought we were going to keep second place. Either it is a little shabby, or there is another small problem; I don’t know…” Slightly withdrawn, Kyt Kat left some regrets with Mathieu Mottier: “Too bad it was cold on the climb, where I couldn’t keep in touch with other competitors. He restarted well in the straight and could certainly have fought with Keengame et Jean Balthazar without it.”
