Paris – Three Prix d’Amérique winners were brushed aside Saturday (April 4) afternoon in the traditional Prix Kerjacques at Vincennes.
It is rare for the absolute elite of French trotting to meet, as geldings are not allowed to compete in Group 1 races such as the Prix d’Amérique, Prix de France, and Prix de Paris.
However, Saturday’s Group 2 Prix Kerjacques over 1 11/16 miles at Vincennes featured a field that included geldings as well as stallions and mares.
The winners of the past four Prix d’Amérique editions were on hand, along with this year’s Prix de France champion.
Still, it was the geldings who stole the show.
Inexess Bleu—often described as the world’s best gelding—may well be the best trotter in the world now.
He won the Prix Kerjacques with authority for Alexandre Abrivard in 1:56.2 (mile rate), defeating fellow gelding Ino du Lupin, driven by Antoine Wiels. The Prix de France winner, the mare Iroise de la Boe with Robin Lamy in the sulky, finished third.
Two-time Prix d’Amérique champion Idao de Tillard, driven by Clément Duvaldestin, was positioned far back in the field for much of the race. He produced a respectable late rally in 27.2 over the final 400 meters, but would have needed a more prominent early position to factor into the outcome. He finished seventh.
Inexess Bleu once again confirmed his outstanding class.
A start in the Elitloppet at Solvalla is possible, though unlikely. The horse performs best over distances of 2,100 meters and longer.