For the ninth time in his career, Antoine Wiels, 33, will be at the start of the Prix de Cornulier, this Sunday January 23. In the service of Jean-Paul Marmion for eleven years, the driver is a safe bet in the pelotons. It has also exceeded the one hundred success mark for the sixth consecutive year. Associated in this Group I with Flame of Goutier, with which he finished second last year, he talks about his chances, his future, and his relationship with Jean-Paul Marmion.
How do you judge the preparation of Flame of Goutier ?
ANTOINE WHEELS. His last race is excellent. When she evolves without her irons, she is much better. I feel it gaining momentum for D-Day. Freeman de Houelle and Plains Gladys will make the race very selective. It will be an advantage for Flame who is a real tracker.
You haven’t ridden it all winter. Is it a deliberate choice?
When we won the Prix de Normandie (in September 2020), we were in the same situation. In total, I rode it five times (three victories and two honours), so I know her well. It is easy to mount. It evolves without restraint and the adjustments have already been made last year.
This year again, you will be one of the favorites in the race. Is it extra pressure?
I’m more apprehensive about the course of the race than feeling the pressure of being favourite. On the other hand, if I want to win a Cornulier, it’s the year or never.
Why ?
I had given myself until I was 35 for my mounted trotting career. After 30, weight is harder to lose (laughs). And then, lowering the weight to 65 kg is difficult for me. I’m going to hurt myself to be in weight on D-Day, it’s a lot of constraints. I know I can lose 1.6 kg if I run in the morning or the day before the race with a big coat.
You have been in the service of Jean-Paul Marmion for eleven years, what are your relations?
Jean-Paul makes me win around 80 races a year. For four and a half years, I have been employed by him while I was a service provider before. I needed more security with my family life. We trust each other. When I had the opportunity to ride Flame of Goutier, he told me to go for it. The day Jean-Paul (he is 71 years old) will stop the job, I don’t intend to work elsewhere, and I don’t want to set up as a coach for the moment. I will quit training and become a catch driver.