3 minute read
G1 Review: Prix du Comte Pierre de Montesson.
| Date | Sunday 20 February 2022 |
| Venue | Vincennes |
| Race | R7 – G1 Prix du Comte Pierre de Montesson - Critérium des Jeunes (2700m) |
| Type | Driven walk up for three-year-olds only excluding geldings |
| Winner | Just A Gigolo |
| Driver | Franck Nivard |
| Trainer | Philippe Allaire |
| Breeding | Boccador de Simm x Blue Valentine |
| Second | Jazzy Perrine |
| Third | Joke |
It was the leading colt versus the leading filly down the home straight with Jazzy Perrine trying her hardest to sweep past the field. However, top colt Just A Gigolo made all to take the honours in the G1 Prix du Comte Pierre de Montesson - Critérium des Jeunes (2700m).
The two Philippe Allaire owned runners quickly went to the lead with Joyner Sport and Just A Gigolo setting a strong pace at the start of the contest. As the group went down the home straight for the first time, there was over twenty lengths covering first to last with the field racing in single file.
Eric Raffin settled the top-rated filly Jazzy Perrine at the back of the field, with only three runners behind her. The tempo remained strong as they negotiated the left-handed turn taking the group to the far side. Just A Gigolo continued to dominate the race as the sole leader until turning for home.
Joyful Diva delivered a notable challenge when the two courses met and went a close second, looking a big threat to the leader. However, Franck Nivard always looked confident and pushed Just A Gigalo to go two lengths clear entering the home straight for the second and final time. At the same moment Eric Raffin made a significant move on the runner-up to go four wide turning for home. The filly secured a clear run on the grandstand side, sweeping past rivals and providing the strongest challenge to the Philippe Allaire colt. Just A Gigolo did not weaken and passed the post at speed despite a diminishing winning advantage.
The Philippe Allaire owned and trained colt is maintaining a consistent record with seven wins from nine career starts. He has been kept busy since debuting in September of last year but has continued to progress and handle class rises with winning form. He beat multiple re-opposing rivals when victorious in the G2 Prix Maurice de Gheest (2700m) and justified strong support in the G1 Prix du Comte Pierre de Montesson - Critérium des Jeunes (2700m). Boccador de Simm was also a champion in the three-year-old division when he won the "B" generation G1 Prix Albert Viel (2700m) in June 2014. Could Just A Gigolo follow in his footsteps for the same trainer? Time will tell.