by Thomas Hedlund

Sunday’s (Feb. 9) big event, the $400,000 Prix de France at Vincennes racetrack, became a great success for a true champion who deserved to claim a Grand Prix-race in Paris.

Romain Derieux-trained Go On Boy (Password) was the heavy favorite in the Prix de France as the race included neither the winner nor the runner up from the Prix d’Amérique two weeks earlier.

With Idao de Tillard and Just Love You out of the game, the fans entrusted Go On Boy as the best shot defending the French colors in the 1.3 miles long race.

And it all developed into a very peaceful journey to victory for Derieux’s trotter. The duo hit the lead quite early into the race when leader Inmarosa’s driver Leo Abrivard opted for a pocket trip behind the big favorite. With Go On Boy in front of the field, the pace was allowed to be kept at a pretty moderate level, which made it difficult for the challengers further back in the field.

Derieux looked confident as he steered Go On Boy out of the last turn, with Don Fanucci Zet attacking three wide after his second over trip, but the leading favorite was never seriously threatened by any opponent.

Go On Boy more or less jogged to a safe win in a mile rate of 1:52.4 over 1.3 miles and Inmarosa held for the silver ahead of Don Fanucci Zet. 

Replay here.

Go On Boy was third in the Prix d’Amérique two weeks earlier and in some way, Sunday’s victory was logical and well deserved for the 9-year-old colt.

Romain Derieux told French media that Go On Boy’s next objective most probably will be the Criterium de Vitesse in Cagnes-sur-Mer at the French Riviera in mid-March.

“Then we aim for Prix de l’Atlantique and later in the spring, Elitloppet,” said Derieux after the prestigious win at Vincennes.

Go On Boy finished second in both the elimination and final of Elitloppet 2023, he won his elimination of Elitloppet 2024, but made a break in the final, where French trotter Horsy Dream won.

Sunday’s race card at Vincennes also included the $120,000 Prix Ovide Moulinet for 5-year-olds and favorite Kokote (Ready Cash) proved that he belongs in the top of the French K-crop.

Mathieu Mottier served his horse a nice third over trip before the three wide attack was set in with one kilometer remaining in the race. With a half mile to go, Kokote connected with leader Kanto Avis and the latter fought bravely when Kokote shifted into the speed-gear in the stretch.

Mottier’s horse safely disarmed Kanto Avis before the wire and collected her second big win in a row at Vincennes.

Replay here.

On Jan. 25 Kokote claimed the $325,000 Prix Bold Eagle for 5-year-olds and Sunday’s win was taken in a mile rate of 1:57.1 over 1.6 miles.