by Thomas Hedlund

Jean Luc Dersoir-trained Lombok Jiel was the favorite when some of the best French-bred 4-year-olds met in the $120,000 Prix Ephrem Houel at Vincennes on Saturday (Feb. 8) afternoon.

Lombok Jiel (Enino du Pommereux) was runner up behind Frank Gio in the $325,000 Prix Ourasi two weeks ago and when Saturday’s race included only French trotters, it was a perfect set up for a victory for Lombok Jiel.

The race became a high speed-event with Lovino Bello on the lead and driver Eric Raffin noted that his toughest opponent, Lombok Jiel, had to leave his position in second over before the last turn. Being three wide throughout the turn didn’t stop Lombok Jiel from approaching the leading Lovino Bello, who had acquired a several length advantage as they turned for home. In the end, Lombok Jiel was strongest and he claimed his seventh win in 18 attempts. A final time of 1:53.2 over 1.3 miles is a great mile rate for a 4-year-old during the meeting and Lombok Jiel will most certainly continue on his path towards being one of the very best horses in France in the coming years.

Replay here

https://www.letrot.com/courses/2025-02-08/7500/8

Lovino Bello held second place ahead of pocket sitter Little Brown.

In the $90,000 Prix de Munich over 1.3 miles, Daniel Redén trained Indy Rock (Readly Express) proved strongest as he disarmed leading favorite Jack Tonic in mid-stretch. Indy Rock left third over in the end of the uphill part of Vincennes and got in close contact with the leader just before the last turn. The 7-year-old Indy Rock claimed his first win in France in the Prix de Munich in a mile rate of 1:54.3. Paul-Philippe Ploquin drove Redén’s gelding.

Today (Feb. 9), it’s time for the $400,000 Prix de France where the very best horses battle for fame and glory.

French forecast tells that Go On Boy will be the favorite in the race, ahead of Hooker Berry, Emeraude de Bais and Working Class Hero.

PRIX DE FRANCE 2025

HRU ranking

4. Go On Boy

8. Hooker Berry

2. Emeraude de Bais

11. Working Class Hero

9. Hussard du Landret

12. Justin Bold

6. Inmarosa

3. Don Fanucci Zet

1. Ampia Mede Sm

7. Banderas Bi

10. Ideal Ligneries

5. Kilmister

13. Hip Hop Haufor