As he announced himself as the big favourite of the 97th Grand Prix d’Amérique, Bold Eagle is now a prey to doubt, having being not better than runner-up out of three EpiqE Series stages. Here are his best challengers.
Two champions managed to stand to Bold Eagle and prevented him twice from winning. Honor to Bird Parker who managed to beat twice the Sebastien Guarato’s champion, a feat that no other competitor has succeeded so far. If the gap is rather small, we must point the fact that Jean-Philippe Monclin’s partner remained shod in this Grand Prix de Belgique and had to assumed the full weight of the race. It increases his chances of winning in the Big Race, exactly like Propulsion. Considered as his best chance by his trainer Daniel Redén, Muscle Hill‘s son has stand unbeatable, winning almost from start to finish, in the Grand Prix de Bourgogne, and, historically, this race remains the most revealing amongst the qualifying ones. European speed record holder over the mile (1’08”1), and 4th in the last year Grand Prix d’Amerique, Propulsion has resumed freshness since and will be driven by the famous and experienced “iceman” Örjan Kihlström, winner in 2014 with Maharajah.
Beware of Belina Josselyn
If Readly Express has not yet beaten Bold Eagle, finishing right behind him in the Grand Prix de Belgique despite a bad start, his chances to win are not slim thanks to his incredible talent. Europ Champion in 2016 and best trotter of his generation, Timo Nurmos’ champion presents 20 wins out 24 races and 4 podiums. Considering his recent easy success in the Prix Ténor de Baune and his wonderful finish in the 6th stge of the “Circuit Trot des EpiqE Series”, he promises to be formidable. Of course, this list is far from being exhaustive as many others are also able to achieve the feat. For the time being, Bélina Josselyn has not shown the slightest thing but she is so much better without her shoes. Trained by Jean-Michel Bazire, the splendid chestnut mare, runner-up to Bold Eagle last year, will be undoubtedly ready for the occasion.
