by Thomas Hedlund

Vivid Wise As (Yankee Glide) continues to win big races in Europe and on Friday (Dec. 8) afternoon, he claimed the $105,000 Gran Premio Duomo in Florence, Italy, paired with Matthieu Abrivard.

Alessandro Gocciadoro’s star hit the lead after a quarter of a mile and Vivid Wise As held stablemates Always Ek and Bepi Bi safely behind him in the finish as he won in 1:56.2.

This was Vivid Wise As’ 21st Group 1-win in his long career. The International Trot at Yonkers earlier this year is his biggest win so far, followed by the $415,000 Prix de France 2022.

JOSHUA TREE BACK AS A WINNER

Jean-Michel Bazire had a nice day at work when Vincennes played host to some big races during the Saturday (Dec. 9) afternoon card. After claiming the two initial races on the card, it was time for his top trotter Joshua Tree (Bold Eagle) in the third race, the $125,000 Prix Octave Douesnel for 4-year-old colts.

Joshua Tree didn’t get an easy way throughout the first turn since several drivers wanted to find position in front, surely with eventual nice cover from Joshua Tree in mind, and it was Italian star Dimitri Ferm who was first to hit the inside lane. Alexandre Abrivard, who sat behind Mauro Baroncini’s horse this time, opted to let Josh Power go to the lead after a while and in the next moment, Bazire pushed his Joshua Tree to the front position.

In front, Bazire had the race under complete control and Joshua Tree looked stronger, gait-wise, than in his comeback two weeks ago as he sprinted to a safe win in a mile rate of 1:57.1 over 1.6 miles.

Replay here.

Dimitri Ferm finished strongly on the inside as runner up and josh Power held to third place.

The 4-year-old mares’ objective on Saturday’s card was the $125,000 Prix Ariste Hemard over 2,700 meters. Favorite Just Love You (Love You) was seen in the front early as driver Alexandre Abrivard was eager to steer the race on the lead with Laurent-Claude Abrivard’s mare. A quick change in positions ended with Just Love You in front with Italian trotter Diva del Ronco in the pocket as the field turned into the uphill part of the track.

Some well-merited Swedish trotters tried to challenge on the backstretch, but neither Bonneville W.I (third in the inside), Aurelia Express or Global Dancer became a serious threat to the leading favorite, who safely claimed the trophy in a mile rate of 1:57.

Replay here.

Diva del Ronco was as second and Jazzy Perrine finished quickly on the inside as third.

Paris’ winter meeting continues today (Sunday, Dec. 10) with the $125,000 Prix du Bourbonnais, the second leg of preparation races before the 2024 Prix d’Amérique.

Today’s Vincennes card can be viewed here.