Harness: Prix d'Amerique qualification races conclude

Davidson du Pont won the final qualification race for this year's Prix d'Amerique, the Group 2 Prix d'Amérique Races ZEturf QUALIF #6 Prix de Belgique, on Sunday at Vincennes Racecourse in Paris.

Driven by trainer Jean-Michel Bazire, Davidson du Pont got away near the back from the standing start in the 2,850 meter event, but steadily worked his way into contention in a two-wide group. He would track a three-wide bid by Delia du Pommereux (Eric Raffin) on the far turn, then out-finish that foe in an exciting stretch drive, scoring in a stakes record 1'12" (mile rate 1:55 4/5). Moni Viking (Pierre Vercruysse) finished in third.

"He gently followed the leading group and produced a very good acceleration to finish the race," Bazire said to Equidia. "In the middle of the straight, I understood it was done. He provided a very good battle against Délia du Pommereux. Now, I will concentrate on the final races. I still have two or three things to fix. I still have two weeks time. I feel confident!"

An 8-year-old son of Pacha du Pont, Davidson du Pont, who picked up career victory number 14, is owned by Albert Rayon. Davidson du Pont was second in last year's Prix d'Amerique, and then defeated Prix d'Amerique champion Face Time Bourbon in the Grand Prix de France.

With the qualification races now complete, the horses who earned automatic spots in the Prix d'Amerique with their results are Diable de Vauvert, Feliciano, Bahia Quesnot, Face Time Bourbon, Victor Ferm, Gu d’Héripré, Féérie Wood, Vivid Wise As, Délia du Pommereux, Moni Viking, and Davidson du Pont. The remaining positions in the event, which will take place on January 31, will go to horses with the highest lifetime earnings.