Propulsion without problems, may continue racing in Europe’s biggest events
by Thomas Hedlund
Trainer Daniel Redén had in some words expressed that the victory in the final of Trotting Masters in September could have been the last start in the career of champion trotter Propulsion. But the 7-year-old Muscle Hill son was back in the game when the $87,000 C. L. Müllers Memorial was held at Jägersro racetrack in southern Sweden on Saturday afternoon.
All eyes were on Propulsion this day and already in the warm up, the fans’ expectations were met. Redén had a lot to struggle with in his hands since Propulsion for sure was in a on-mode.
”I don’t know what to say about the horse. It seems like he’s getting better every time he races and I must ask myself why we shouldn’t continue to race with him. In my opinion, it’s great for the horse, and the business in general, if we let Propulsion race as long as he wants,” said Reden after the C. L. Müllers Memorial, where Propulsion hit the lead after just over a quarter of a mile in the 1.6-mile race.
Cyber Lane willingly let the lead to heavy favorite Propulsion and the race itself wasn’t much of a dramatic affair. Örjan Kihlström had all focus on the horse he sat behind and as most often, Propulsion didn’t disappoint the top driver. Propulsion jogged throughout the long race and looked more or less as like a winner since he stepped out on the track in Malmö.
”It seems like he has found his shape right now,” said Kihlström said with a smile. ”No, for real, it’s quite unbelievable that he can perform like this every time and today he felt just perfect in every sense.”
Propulsion came home in a mile rate 1:56.4.
It’s not impossible that Redén aims for another try in Prix d’Amérique in Paris in January and this time he doesn’t have to qualify for the race with his champion trotter. Propulsion’s bank account contains $2,473,243 and that is enough for a place in Paris’ big race.
Goop’s Italian star
Björn Goop won the final of Breeders’ Course for 2-year-olds ($131,000) at Jägersro racetrack. His weapon was Italian-bred Varenne mare Amelie Grif.
Goop hit the lead at an early stage and was seriously challenged by fast moving Eric The Eel in the home stretch. But the outside horse was not able to keep the gait clean when the battle was most interesting 100 meters from the wire.
Amelie Grif was the left alone and the victory became sage in 1:58.4.
Aubrion du Gers continues to win
Jean-Michel Bazire trained Aubrion du Gers was sent to Belgium and Mons racetrack on Friday night where Belgian top driver Jos Verbeeck was entrusted behind the 8-year-old gelding.
Verbeeck found position second over with the son of Memphis du Rib and the race developed to a one-man show as soon as Aubrion du Gers was given the order to attack. With just over 5/8ths of a mile to go, the French top trotter was in the lead, from where Verbeeck could note that the victory should be safe.
The $136,500 Grand Prix de la Toussaint is one of the biggest races in Belgium. The Grand Prix de Wallonie is scheduled in August every year and Aubrion du Gers – with driver Jos Verbeeck – can look back at a season where he won them both races.
Aubrion du Gers took his 11th consecutive win in mile rate 1:58.2 over 1.4 miles.
Beside Bold Eagle, Aubrion du Gers belongs in the top among French trotters and speaking of Bold Eagle, the Sébastien Guarato trained Ready Cash son will be seen on the track of Feurs today, Sunday, where he will be the first choice in the $113,800 Grand Prix du Centre-Est with driver Franck Nivard.
