On Sunday, North American trotter Maven made her final prep start for the 2015 Prix d'Amerique competing in the 1-11/16 mile Prix Tenor de Baune.
Driven for the first time by Jean Michel Bazire, Maven shot to the lead and attempted to win the race on the front end but tired late and finished seventh.
The race was won Vulcain de Vandel, driven by Franck Nivard. This win qualified Vulcain de Vandel for entry into the Prix d'Amerique where Maven was set to be driven by Nivard. This development prompted a change by trainer Jimmy Takter to list regular driver Yannick Gingras back with the trotting mare.
"When I could not get the two best French drivers I think I better stick with my guy," Takter posted on twitter on Sunday afternoon, noting that he's not fond of the constant switching back and forth.
Gingras responded, noting that he's "extremely excited to be heading back to France."
Takter also commented that he thought Maven "needed that race" and the front end might not be her best style. Further, driver Bazire felt she would improve off that effort.
The Prix d'Amerique is set for Sunday, January 25 at Vincennes.
It doesn't matter who drives
It doesn't matter who drives her when she is hanging on the left line. Race her against the mares, thats where she belongs.