by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

The French champion trotter Ready Cash, driven by Franck Nivard, continued his winning streak on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 30), as he won the third test race leading up to the Prix d’Amerique.

Gerard Forni photo

Ready Cash (on the inside) just held off Royal Dream.

Ready Cash really had to fight to get to the finish line first, but he managed and thus proved that he is still the horse to beat in the prestigious Prix d’Amerique in late January — a race which he has won the last two years.

Sunday’s race, the Prix de Bourgogne, was raced over the 1-5/16th mile distance and Ready Cash left quickly from post position one. However, he was soon passed by Main Wise As with Sebastian Ernault, but Franck Nivard quickly left the two hole and directed Ready Cash to the front again.

The Best Madrik came up on the outside, and when he tired Timoko took over.

Going into the stretch, it looked as though Ready Cash was going to win easily, but as Royal Dream with Jean Philippe Dubois found racing room after having been boxed in, Nivard had to use his whip on Ready Cash to hold off the late charge from Royal Dream. He managed and won by a head; both trotters were timed in 1:54 (mile rate).

The fourth and last test race, the Prix de Belgique, will be raced in a fortnight. Ready Cash is doubtful, but Royal Dream will be in the lineup.