24th win for Bazire’s star Elie de Beaufour
by Thomas Hedlund
Jean-Michel Bazire-trained Elie de Beaufour (Royal Dream) claimed his 24th lifetime victory when he made his 34th start in $102,500 Prix du Forez on Saturday (Jan. 15) afternoon at Vincennes.
The 8-year-old gelding was successful in $125,000 Grand National du Trot Final in 2020 and it seems like Bazire once again has a high-level performing gelding in his barn, a horse that could be a factor in big races outside of France.
The Saturday win at Vincennes was impressive. Elie de Beaufour chased and caught up to leader Fire Cracker just before the uphill part of the Vincennes’ track and when 600 meters remained of the race, Bazire opted for position first over which soon thereafter resulted in front position as the field turned for home. Elie de Beaufour jogged to a safe win in an outstanding mile rate 1:54.2 over 2,700 meters (1.6 miles).
Philippe Allaire’s Hohneck (Royal Dream) tested the $135,000 Prix de Croix for 5-year-olds and the Prix d’Amérique-ready colt was outstanding after a second over trip for driver Francois Lagadeuc. With a half-mile remaining in the 1.7-mile-long race, Lagadeuc attacked three wide and Hohneck controlled the field all the way since he came to the lead with 650 meters to go.
The mile rate for Allaire’s trotter was 1:58.2 and next objective for the talented 5-year-old is the Prix d’Amérique on Jan. 30.
