The speed spectacle was missing as Jushua Tree, driven by Jean Michel Bazire, won the Prix de Bourgogne at the Vincennes track in Paris in 1:54.3 (mile rate) over 2,100 meters, ahead of Go On Boy with Romain Derieux.
Not since Bold Eagle won the Prix de Bourgogne in 2018 in 1:55.3 (mile rate) has there been such a slow winning time in what the French call a “speed race.”
As the third qualifying race for the Prix d’Amérique, Prix de Bourgogne had four wild cards for the big race, but only two were awarded today.
Among the top four finishers, both the winner Jushua Tree and third-place Inmarosa had previously qualified, so only Go On Boy in second place and Hokkaido Jiel with David Thomain in fourth received wild cards.
The final qualifying race, Prix de Belgique, will be held on Jan. 11, with four more wild cards up for grabs.