Jean-Michel Bazire’s return not a winning one

by Thomas Hedlund

It was not a successful return for Jean-Michel Bazire in Paris, as Liza Josselyn (Ready Cash) faded tamely from the lead in Saturday’s (April 11) $125,000 Prix Henri Levesque at Vincennes.

Instead, it was Lunella Leman (Boccador de Simm), trained by Benoît Robin, who powered to victory after a perfect second-over trip. She drew clear in the stretch to win in a 1:54.1 mile rate over 2,700 meters, equaling the race record.

Heavy favorite Liberté de Choisel (Captain Sparrow) came from well back to finish fifth, while Liza Josselyn weakened to seventh.

Bazire suffered a serious training accident at the Grosbois training center in January.

LOMBOK JIEL CAPITALIZES

Later on the card, Lombok Jiel (Enino du Pommereux) took advantage of a perfect pocket trip to win the $125,000 Prix Robert Auvray for 5-year-old colts.

Leader Lord du Bassin set the pace but broke stride in the stretch, opening the door for Lombok Jiel, who surged through along the inside for a comfortable victory in a 1:58.1 mile rate over 2,700 meters.

Favorite Lancier du Goutier (Ready Cash) finished well from second-over to take second, while L’As Desbois (Booster Winner) held third from the first-over position.

It marked Lombok Jiel’s first win of the season. Earlier this year, he finished second in the Group 1 Prix Bold Eagle and third in Prix de Croix. His résumé also includes a Group 1 win in the Prix Albert Viel as a 3-year-old.

ALLEGIANT INVITED TO ELITLOPPET

American mare Allegiant (Tactical Landing) has been invited to the Elitloppet at Solvalla.

Trained by Daniel Redén, the 5-year-old was purchased for $925,000 in late 2024 and boasts an outstanding résumé, including victories in the Breeders Crown final, Matron Stakes, Moni Maker, and Currier & Ives.

Driver Örjan Kihlström previously commented: “She could have been in the Elitloppet already last year — this year it’s definitely possible. She’s a fantastic mare.”

MASSIMO HOIST IMPRESSIVE IN FINLAND

Finland’s top older horse Massimo Hoist (Muscle Hill) followed up his seasonal debut win with another dominant performance in Saturday’s Helsinki-Ajo at Vermo.

Driven by Hannu Torvinen, the heavy favorite moved to the lead after 500 meters, controlled the pace, and sprinted clear in the stretch for an easy win in 1:53.3, closing his final 800 meters in a sharp :55.2.

ÖNAS PRINCE QUALIFIES FOR PARALYMPIATRAVET

The first qualifier for the $300,000 Paralympiatravet at Åby Racetrack was held on Saturday at Jägersro racetrack in Malmö, Sweden, and former winner Önas Prince (Chocolatier) secured his spot.

After working hard early, including racing first-over before taking the lead after 700 meters, he controlled the race and proved superior in the stretch, winning in 1:55.4 over 2,140 meters.

Defending champion Borups Victory is already invited, while wild cards have been issued to Harley Gema, Francesco Zet, and Norwegian Derby winner Charron.

HIGH-CLASS FIELD FOR PRIX DE L’ATLANTIQUE

Attention now turns to Saturday’s (April 18) $220,000 Prix de l’Atlantique at Enghien, one of the key spring targets in France.

A strong field of 13 will line up behind the gate over 2,150 meters, including: Idao de Tillard (Severino) — dual Prix d’Amérique winner, Go On Boy (Password) — runner-up in this race in both 2023 and 2025 and Josh Power (Offshore Dream).

Also of major interest is Iroise de la Noe (Tornado Bello), racing barefoot with trainer Thomas Levesque back in the sulky following her Prix de France victory. Additionally, Harley Gema (Bold Eagle) will use the race as a prep for the Paralympiatravet.

Horse (Sire) — Driver — Trainer

Josh Power (Offshore Dream) — Sebastien Ernault

Krack Time Atout (Face Time Bourbon) — Franck Nivard — Sebastien Guarato

Idao de Tillard (Severino) — Clément Duvaldestin — Thierry Duvaldestin

Go On Boy (Password) — Romain Derieux

Frank Gio (Face Time Bourbon) — Matthieu Abrivard — Sebastien Guarato

Harley Gema (Bold Eagle) — Benjamin Rochard — Marc Sassier

Hooker Berry (Booster Winner) — Eric Raffin — Antoine Lherete

Koctel du Dain (Boccador de Simm) — David Thomain — Philippe Allaire

Fellow Wise As (Maharajah) — Nicolas Bazire

Harmony du Rabutin (Royal Dream) — David Bekaert — Richard Guillaume

Keep Going (Follow You) — Mathieu Mottier

Iroise de la Noe (Tornado Bello) — Thomas Levesque

J’aime le Foot (Boccador de Simm) — Antoine Lherete