Propulsion with Ôrjan Kihlström suffered a surprising defeat in the Gold Division at Bergsaker Saturday afternoon (Jan. 11) but may still be targeted for the Prix d’Amerique.

On his way to Paris and Prix d’Amerique, Daniel Redén-trained Propulsion should have the last prep race Saturday (Jan. 18) in the Gold Division at Bergsaker.

Propulsion with Ôrjan Kihlström looked like a sure thing and was bet down to 2-5.  However, the Finnish trotter Elian Web with Jorma Kontio proved to be too tough and was in command the whole race.

Propulsion tried to catch him around the final turn, but Elian Web was full of trot in front and won very easily in 1.56.2f (mile rate) two lengths ahead of Propulsion.

On this Twitter account, Daniel Redén said, that the track didn’t favor Propulsion and the trotter also wore four shoes.  Redén thinks he will be better with this race under his belt.  And in Paris, Propulsion will be able to race without four shoes.

Speaking of Paris, the best 3-year-old so far in the 2017-crop in France is the colt, Helgafell, trained by Philippe Allaire.

Helgafell won the Group II Prix Maurice de Gheest with Eric Raffin in the bike for his sixth win from seven starts. Helgafell is sired by Charly du Noyer, a son of Ready Cash.

In fact, the first five finishers in the Prix Maurice de Gheest all have Ready Cash as their grandfather.

Philippe Allaire trained the first three trotters past the post in the Maurice de Gheest, as well as the winner of the Group II Prix de Croix, Feliciano, who is also sired by Ready Cash.