by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

The biggest race in France for 3-year-olds, the Criterium des 3 Ans, was won in a very impresive style on Sunday (Dec. 12) by Timoko, driven by Richard Westerink, lowering the race record by more than one second (on the mile). The Criterium offered a total purse of $320,000 and was raced over the 1-1/16th mile distance, just like the Prix d’Amerique.

Mark Kentell photo

Timoko was a winner in the Criterium des 3 Ans.

Dutch-born Richard Westerink, who since 2005 has been a trainer in France, drove Timoko very aggressively and was three wide going downhill before Timoko took over the lead with three-quarters of a mile to go.

Nobody was able to follow Timoko around the last corner and though he tired down the stretch he was an easy winner in 1:56.4 (mile rate), lowering the race record from 1:58.1 and equaling the French record for 3-year-trotters on the distance held by Pearl Queen, who took this mark in June. Two fillies were closest to Timoko past the post. Two lengths behind, The Lovely Gwen came in second, while Terre d’Any was third.

This was a very impressive performance from Timoko, who is by far the best offspring of his sire, Imoko, who stands for a mere $2,000.

Timoko raced five times as a 2-year-old. He won his debut at Enghien, but was disqualified and placed last for making a break in his next four outings. This year he has raced 14 times and has won six races. He now has total earnings of $665,000.

On the same card some of the best 4-year-olds met in the Prix Octave Douesnel with a total purse of $145,000. The distance was just like the Criterium — 1-1/16th miles — and 25-1 outsider Sereno, driven by Patrice Lebouteiller, was an easy winner in 1:59.2 (mile rate).