Jean Michel Bazire, the leading trainer/driver in France, is behind the second favorite, Davidson du Pont, in the Prix d’Amerique. On Saturday afternoon (Jan. 30), Bazire won the main event at Vincennes, the Prix de Luxembourg.

Dorgos de Guez was timed in a new record of 1:54 (mile rate). Gerard Forni photo.

While the Prix d’Amerique is a no go for the geldings, the Prix de Luxembourg — a Group III race over the 1-5/16th mile distance and raced the day before the Prix d’Amerique — is open to geldings.

Bazire entered the 8-year-old chestnut gelding Dorgos de Guez in the race. Dorgos de Guez was the heavy favorite in the betting as he stood at odds of 3-10.

Dorgos de Guez, who raced for the 63rd time, won the race rather easily, although Frisbee d’Am with Anthony Barrier at one time was racing on his own, some 60 meters ahead of the field. However, Bazire knew his trotter and the victory came very easily as  Dorgos de Guez was timed in a new record of 1:54 (mile rate).

In the big event Sunday afternoon, Bazire will be in the sulky behind the second favorite, Davidson du Pont. Last year’s winner, Face Time Bourbon with Björn Goop in the bike, is the favorite to win again. Davidson du Pont was second last year. But can he turn the table this year?

The Prix d’Amerique will go off at 3:15 p.m. (Paris time); that is 9:15 a.m. (EST). You can follow all the races at Vincennes at this site — www.letrot.com. Just pick the live feed and you’ll have the track signal. The first race at Vincennes is scheduled at 12:25 p.m. (Paris time) or 6:25 a.m. (EST).