Relying on freshness, Timoko’s connections were duly rewarded in the last but one #opodoraces qualifier on Sunday as the phenomenal 12-time Group 1 winner sailed home in the Prix de Bourgogne.
Wearing his blue hood, a souvenir he brought home from his trip to New York during the autumn, barefooted Timoko really looked the part on the dirty rain-beaten cinders at Vincennes. But the weather conditions were like water on a duck’s back for last year’s Grand Prix de France winner as he flew downhill to grab a decent spot up front, momentarily taking command 1,300 metres from home where Up And Quick took over, forcing Westerink’s charge to make his move uncovered on the outside. Many would have faltered under the pressure, but not Timoko who powerfully drew clear in the straight.
Regular driver Björn Goop (a 12-time Swedish ‘Golden Helmet’ winner) knows better than anyone what a top-class performance his partner has just returned, beating two rivals who have bounced back into form at the right time: runner-up Amiral Sacha and third-placed Univers de Pan. The pair have earned themselves some precious qualifying points, and they both may well be back in the final #opodoraces qualifier (Prix de Belgique) on January 17th. On the other hand, Timoko will probably continue with his ‘minimalist’ build up and not be seen again before the 2016 Opodo Prix d’Amérique on January 31st, a race where he finished 3rd last year, his best result in 5 bids.
