by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

Europe’s biggest harness track, Vincennes in Paris, France, opened its gates Monday (August 23) for the autumn meeting, which runs until the beginning of November.

The highlights were two races for 3-year-old trotters and some of the best in both sexes were in the line-up.

Just eight colts raced in the Prix Pierre Plazen over the 1-5/16th mile distance, with a purse of $70,000 to the winner.

Tucson with Jos. Verbeeck in the bike was the favorite, but had to settle for third. The second favorite, Timoko, showed that his victory in the semi–classic Prix Albert Viel two months ago was no fluke and was an easy winner in 1:56.3 (mile rate) with trainer-driver Richard Westerink in the bike. He was followed home by The Best Madrik with Jean Etienne Dubois, two lengths behind.

The Best Madrik is one of the best French 3-year old trotters as he won the prestigious Criterium des Jeunes back in Februrary.

While The Best Madrik and Tucson are sired by top sire Coktail Jet, who stands for $23,000 live foal, Timoko is by Imoko, who stands for just $1,900. Imoko has 27 foals in the 2007 crop and just nine have made it to the tracks. Timoko stands out, not only in his own crop, but between all offspring by Imoko.

The fillies met in the Prix Guy Deloison over same distance and same purse as the colts. The race was won by Texas Style, driven by trainer-driver Luis Baudron, who just managed to hold off a late burst from The Lovely Gwen driven by Pierre Vercruysse. Texas Style was timed in 1:59.2 (mile rate).

Texas Style is sired by last year’s leading sire in France, Goetmals Wood, and out of a mare sired by In Love With You.

In The Netherlands it was Derby Day on Sunday (August 22) at the track in Duindigt. The Dutch Trotting Derby is for 3-year-old trotters and raced over 1-5/8 miles with a total purse of $125,000.

Amour d’Occagnes, driven by top Belgium driver Christophe Martens, was in a class of his own and won by open lengths in a new race record of 2:02.4f (mile rate).

Amour d’Occagnes was bred and raised by a French breeder, but registered in The Netherlands. He is out of the French sire Diamant Gedé; he by Florestan by Star’s Pride.

The dam of Amour d’Occagnes is the German mare Naomi November; she by Viking Kronos and out of Meadowbranch Grace — a full sister to Hambletonian winner Prakas.