by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Newsroom Senior Correspondent

The French trainer Philippe Allaire really enjoyed his trip to Milan, Italy, on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 15), as he sent out the winners of the two big races of the day.

Gerard Forni photo

Brillantissime, driven by Pierre Vercruysse, won the Gran Premio d’Europa.

In the Gran Criterium for 2-year-old trotters, Allaire was represented by the filly Demonia Roma (sired by Password) with Jos Verbeeck in the bike. Demonia Roma was soon in command and won easily in 2:001f. The purse for the winner — owned by Allaire himself — was $85,000.

In the Premio d’Europa for 4-year-old trotters over the 1-3/8th mile distance, Allaire raced Brillantissime (sired by Ready Cash) with Pierre Vercruysse in the bike. Brillantissime, who two months ago won another big race in Italy, the Gran Premio Continentale at the half-mile track in Bologne, was the even money favorite and won by open lengths in 1:58f (mile rate). The purse for winner was $94,000.

Brillantissime is now the second richest French 4-year-old with lifetime earnings of $942,000.