She is the sensation of the moment at the moment. Undefeated under the saddle in six attempts, Gazelle de Val (Viking du Val) climbed the ranks one by one during the 2024 season. The month of January 2025 should propel her to the highest level with the Prix de Cornulier as the ultimate objective . To get there, you will have to go through “Calvados”, Q3 of the Cornulier Races, Sunday in Vincennes. Qualification objective and more if affinities.
4 Questions to Julien Le Mer
If she is already announced as the favorite for the Prix de Cornulier on January 19, Ideal Oak (Bird Parker) must not be on Sunday in this Prix du Calvados pointedly warns Julien Le Mer his trainer, met this Thursday morning in Grosbois.
24 hours on the trot. How are you approaching this Sunday race?
Julien Le Mer: Very calmly. We are not going to run very offensively, Ideale being presented only with her front legs tackled and without her blinders. We’re going to try to take a little more risk by flying it in the center of the track and we’re not running with a knife between our teeth. The goal is to avoid not being ready too soon. I don’t want to run the Derby before the Derby. You have to be ready but you have to be fresh for the big day. Her work gives us complete satisfaction but she will not be equipped as for the big day.
You have to be ready but you have to be fresh
Have you even considered running?
No not at all. A month interval between the two races would have been too long. It’s up to us to run with this in mind, announcing it and going there calmly.
The status of Idéale du Chêne changed this winter, becoming the specialty mare. Does this change anything for you?
It’s true that her performance last year in the Cornulier was highly anticipated. Lack of size in competition is damaging to the sport but it changes the overall approach. We’re not going to complain about it either. That said, on Sunday, eyes should not be too much on us, I say it again. In two weeks, it won’t be the same. We assume it. We expected this pressure and it’s good pressure. It’s more pleasant to prepare for a big race with a first chance.
This winter is his
Has it changed since last year?
When she returned from rest, I found her changed, having gained more chest, more volume. This winter is his. So far we have not experienced a false note, in the morning it is perfect and becomes even more pleasant. She wants everything well.
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