The less than ideal conditions for Sunday's Prix de Bourgogne were not an issue for European trotting star Timoko, who dominated his rivals in his 2016 debut at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes.
Driver Bjorn Goop attacked quickly with Timoko, prompted no doubt by an early duel. Mosaique Face (Lutfi Kolgjini) tried to defend the lead from the inside but Un Mec d'Héripré (Roberto Andreghetti), was faster and trotted around Mosaique Face in the downhill slope. Kolgjini was quickly out for a retake, and that's when Goop made his move by spotting Timoko outside the leader for the journey on the uphill section of the Vincennes oval.
In the last turn Goop sent Timoko to take the lead, which he did, sprinting onto victory by winning the 2,100-metre race in a mile rate time of 1:54.3.
"Timoko was magnificent,” said the horse's trainer and owner, Richard Westerink.
The Prix de Bourgogne was one of the preps for the Prix d'Amerique, with points earned for invitation to the race. Amiral Sacha took an important step towards the Prix d'Amerique by finishing second in the Bourgogne. Univers de Pan was third while Up and Quick took fourth.
(with files from harnessracing.com)
Hard to argue with the
Hard to argue with the trainer/owner's comments his horse did race "magnificent"!!