Italy has played a prominent role in the $1 million MGM Yonkers International Trot since the race was revived from a 19-year hiatus in 2015. First, Twister Bi arrived in 2017 and smashed the world record at the 1-1/4-mile distance and, two years later, Zacon Gio was equally impressive in victory. In 2023, a new player will attempt to follow in their hoofprints as top European competitor Vivid Wise As will cross the Atlantic Ocean for his chance in the New York spotlight.
“'Vivid' has reached the right psychophysical maturity to face a long journey and I am convinced that he has a great chance. We are always talking about the richest Italian horse after Varenne,” said co-owner/breeder Antonio Somma, who plans to attend the race at Yonkers Raceway on Sept. 9 if his work schedule permits.
Known to the entire trotting world, Vivid Wise As has earned over $2.7 million USD while accumulating 34 wins in 84 career starts, including 18 victories at the Group 1 level. Some of his major triumphs include the Prix de France and Prix René Balliere at Vincennes in Paris, and three triumphs in the Grand Criterium de la Vitesse de la Cote d’Azur in Cagnes Sur Mer. For perspective, the Grand Criterium has been won by the likes of Etonnant, Readly Express, Bold Eagle and Timoko over the last nine years.
A recent winner at 2,100 meters on June 29 (less than 100 meters under the International Trot distance of 2011), the nine-year-old has posted a very credible three wins in nine starts this year while adding $335,076 USD to the coffers under the Scuderia Bivans banner.
Originally purchased for 110,000 Euros at the ITS Yearling Sale by Somma, Vivid Wise As is 100 per cent American in terms of bloodlines. He is by Yankee Glide from the Cantab Hall mare Temple Blue Chip. Interestingly, Somma has already won the MGM Yonkers International Trot as the breeder of Zacon Gio but hopes Vivid Wise As can add a new honour to his mantle.
“I'd like to win it as an owner. It's a race that's missing from my bulletin board,” said Somma.
Vivid Wise As now joins Get A Wish (Denmark), Aldebaran Zeus (Australia) and Jiggy Jog S (Sweden) in the field for the $1 million MGM Yonkers International Trot. The race for older trotters will be the marquee event on a blockbuster program that includes a pair of six-figure Invitationals and the $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes Day of Champions to honour the best two- and three-year-olds in the state. Post time for the special card is noon.
(Yonkers Raceway; Photo of Vivid Wise As racing to the outside of Etonnant)