by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

Franck Nivard and Thierry Duvaldestin, who recently enjoyed two big triumphs with Ready Cash in the Prix d’Amerique and the Prix de France, were in the spotlight again on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 27) at Vincennes.

Gerard Forni photo

Uaukir was a winner on Sunday in the Prix de Jeunes.

In the Prix de Jeunes — the first Grade 1 race for 3-year-old French trotters — Nivard drove Uaukir from the Duvaldestin stable to victory. The purse for the winner was $110,000.

Uaukir won the 1-11/16th mile event in 1:59.2 (mile rate), followed by Ubriaco driven by Julien Dubois.

Uaukir is from the first crop of the French stallion Password — he by Goetmals Wood. Uaukir has raced 13 times and has often been very difficult to handle in the race, but when he stays flat he has great potential and that was what he showed Sunday afternoon.

On the undercard a Grade 2 under saddle race was won by Singalo with Eric Raffin. Singalo is sired by Goetmals Wood, who has been one of the leading sires in France for several years.

In Germany, world record holder Bentley Sun, who recently won his 39th race in a row, missed number 40 at Mariendorf in Berlin. Bentley Sun was the 2-5 favorite in an under saddle race, but was well beaten by 5-1 shot Gladiator.