by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

The Criterium des 3 Ans — the biggest race of the season for 3-year-old French trotters — was won by the filly Vanika du Ruel, driven by her trainer Franck Anne, in a battle with the colt Vaux le Vicomte, with Jean Michel Bazire in the bike.

Gerard Forni photo

Vanika du Ruel won the Criterium des 3 Ans in a battle with Vaux le Vicomte.

The Criterium des 3 Ans is raced over the same distance as the Prix d’Amerique — 1-11/16th miles — and has a total purse of $300,000.

Vanika du Ruel was in command from the start and after the first three-quarters of the mile Franck Anne opened up and soon the chestnut filly was 30 yards in front of the field.

Around the last bend Vaux le Vicomte came with his brush and down the stretch it could have gone either way. However, the filly managed to win by a half-length in 1:59.4 (mile rate).

She is the best trotter so far in her crop and this victory was her fourth win in a Group 1 race. She has total earnings of $1.06 million and has a mark of 1:55.1.

Vanika du Ruel is sired by Jardy and by far his best offspring. Jardy is a grandson to Workaholic and stands at stud for just $2,000, live foal.