The anticipation is high for the Quinté race scheduled for Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the renowned Cagnes-sur-Mer hippodrome. This prestigious event, known as the Prix de Rome - Tor Di Valle, caters to seasoned trotters aged 8 to 10, and will see 15 horses competing over a distance of 2,925 meters, promising thrilling support for racing fans and bettors alike.
The stage is set, with notable competitors such as King Cole and Have Seven among the frontrunners. King Cole, driven by CH. Martens and trained by V. Martens, has had gains totaling €301,758. Martens has expressed confidence, stating, "He’s a quality horse who should do well when keeping to his gait. There’s every reason to believe he can contend for the top spots." His recent performances indicate potential improvement after facing disqualification due to unexplained errors.
Another competitor to watch is Have Seven. This horse, driven and trained by N. Bazire, previously showcased his talents with a second-place finish at the Prix Jules Roucayrol on February 13, leading many to tag him as the horse to beat. Bazire remarked, "He remains fit since his last outing and presents excellent engagement. Our goal is to aim for the top echelon." With gains of €379,780, Have Seven's readiness will be pivotal on race day.
Gabriella Duem, driven and trained by J. Chavatte, is also generating buzz for the race. With €346,810 already to her name, she has shown consistent form. Chavatte stated, "Her last outings have been solid and we expect her to perform well under the varied conditions at Cagnes-sur-Mer." With the potential for speed and agility, Gabriella must be taken seriously for top placements.
Another contender Hudo Du Ruel, under the guidance of R. Derieux, is also worth noting. Scoring €346,880, he's considered quite capable, and Derieux is optimistic about his chances: "He is well-suited for this category and has good synergy with his driver." His recent form suggests he too could surprise the favorites.
Self Explosive, trained by Vitale Ciotola, holds promise for improved performance. Ciotola explained, "He trains well, but must maintain composure at the start for the best outcome. His potential is high, especially on this track where he can shine with the right pace." This horse, having accrued €357,895, well exemplifies the unpredictability of the coming race.
Pundits have selected Gardner Shaw as one of the more solid choices. With €401,799 at stake, and driven by Y. Henry, this competitor continues to showcase his talents on tracks. Henry noted, "He’s maintained good form and will be ready to challenge for the win." Experts have high hopes for Shaw's chances, especially considering his past victories which have cemented his reputation.
The expert predictions compile insights from respected sources, with key selections by journalists emphasizing horses such as 15, 8, and 13 as the horses to back, backed by various credible reports indicating their competitive edge.
Gino Viva is another horse expected to challenge near the front. The trainer noted, "He showed significant potential, performing well previously and can bounce back from his last outing shortly. A solid showing at Cagnes will be his chance to redeem himself." His gains are recorded as €361,720, indicating he has the pedigree to surprise during the race.
Before the race, it’s clear the hype surrounding the Quinté will be underscored by long-built anticipations and informal bets made by fans and experts alike. The racecourse at Cagnes-sur-Mer, renowned for its picturesque setting and energetic atmosphere, will surely bring the spotlight once the starting gates spring open at 15h15.
Overall, the current form of participating horses indicates it will be fiercely competitive, and as experts have noted, possibly the margins between them are close. Betters will do well to keep abreast of late developments as race day approaches. The Quinté remains one of the most anticipated events this season, underscoring both the equestrian spirit and the thrill behind every gallop.