by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Senior Newsroom Correspondent

The 10-year-old Timoko, driven by Björn Goop, returned to the winner’s circle at the Enghien track in Paris, France, Saturday afternoon (July 1). Timoko, who a month ago won the prestigious Elitlopp at Solvalla, was an easy winner of the Prix de Washington as the 3/10 favorite, which is one of very few races over the mile distance in France.

Gerard Forni photo

Timoko wins the Prix de Washington on Saturday.

Timoko and Goop were in command the whole trip and won very easy in 1.56 followed by Venkatesh and Cash Gamble. The purse was $61,000 and was the 35th win in his career from 100 starts.

In Naples, Italy, 3-and 4-year old trotters were in the spotlight.

In the Gran Premio Citta di Naples with a purse of $90,000, Vivid Wise As, a colt sired by Yankee Glide, had won 10 out of 11 races and was the heavy favorite. However, he went off stride for driver Enrico Bellei, was disqualified and placed last. Instead Vitruvio, sired by Adrian Cip, would win the 1-5/16 mile event driven by Pietro Gubellini in 1.55.4f (mile rate)

The filly division was won by Venariareale Font, sired by Conway Hall, with Federico Esposito in the bike in 1.56.4f. The purse for the winner was $31,500.

The 4-year-old trotters met in the Gran Premio Tino Triossi over 1-5/16 mile, with a purse for the winner of $100,000. The race was won by the French entry, Dijon, sired by Ganymede, and driven by Romain Derieux in 1.57.3f (mile rate).

The 4-year-old mares met in the Gran Premio Antonio Carena over a mile and this race was won by Uma Francis, sired by Exploit Caf, and driven by Enrico Bellei in 1.55.3f. The purse for the winner was $31,500.

In Sweden, the best 3-year-old trotters met in the E3-finals over 1-5/16 mile at Bergsaker with a purse in each category of $110,000 for the winner. The colt division was won by Coin Perdu, sired by SJ’s Caviar, and driven by Erik Adielsson in 1.57.1f (mile rate). Coin Perdu is outstanding in his crop in Sweden and has now raced nine times and won every time.

The filly division was won by a 15-1 shot, the Italian bred Violet Bi, sired by Equinox Bi, and driven by Jim Oscarsson in 1.58.3f (mile rate)