Harness: Belina Josselyn wins Grand Prix d'Amerique, Bazire barn dominates race

It was a banner Sunday at Vincennes Racecourse in Paris for the operation of trainer Jean-Michel Bazire, with his Belina Josselyn capturing the Grand Prix d'Amerique and stablemate Looking Superb coming in second. Bazire's other horse in the race, Davidson du Pont, finished fourth.

Unlike last year there were no false starts, with Davidson du Pont (Franck Ouvrie), Uza Josselyn (Gabriele Gelormini) and defending champion Readly Express (Björn Goop) settling in the first three positions, and Belina Josselyn and Bazire getting away cleanly in mid-pack.

Uza Josselyn would pop out of second and take the lead after they crossed the wire for the first time, with Readly Express then sliding out first-over, followed by Looking Superb (Alexandre Abrivard) in the second-over position, and Belina Josselyn tracking her stablemate from third-over.

Readly Express struck the front in the stretch despite the uncovered trip, and it looked as if he may defend his title successfully, but the Bazire charges came with their late kicks, and it would be Belina Josselyn just getting up to nab Looking Superb by about a neck, with Readly Express a close third. Davidson du Pont was about a length or so back in fourth, followed by Propulsion (Örjan Kihlström), Bold Eagle (Franck Nivard), and Uza Josselyn.

The time of 1'11"70 was off the record of 1'11"20 set each of the last two years, likely due in part to rainy conditions that appeared to leave the track in an off condition.

This is Bazire's fourth win in the Grand Prix d'Amerique, joining his successes with Moni Maker in 1999, Kesaco Phedo in 2004, and Up And Quick in 2015.

Belina Josselyn, an 8-year-old mare by Love You, is the first female to win the race since Moni Maker. Belina Josselyn, who was sent off as the favorite in the race, is owned by Ecurie Yvan Bernard. This was her 20th career victory and pushed her career earnings over $2 million Euros.