by Karsten Bønsdorf, , USTA Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Texas Charm, a 7-year-old French trotter driven by Julien Dubois, was an easy winner of the Prix du Bourbonnais raced at Vincennes, Paris, France Saturday afternoon (Dec. 6).

This was the second year in a row that Texas Charm won this prep race for the Prix d’Amerique.

Last year Texas Charm went on to win the third prep race, the Prix de Bougogne too, and was considered the favorite for the Prix d’Amerique in 2014. Unfortunately Texas Charm was sidelined due to a broken cannon cone.

Texas Charm returned to racing a couple of months ago, but was very carefully handled until yesterday. Texas Charm won the 1-3/4 mile event in 2.00.3 (mile rate) followed by Uhlan de Val and Solvato – the latter a full brother to Shake it Cerry.

The very popular French trotter, Ready Cash was also in the line-up and had to trail the field 25 meters.

Ready Cash, who was officially retired from racing in February, raced well and yesterday was timed faster than Texas Charm in 1.59.4 (mile rate) – but came in eighth. Ready Cash must earn 31.000 Euros – or $38.000 – before he is eligible to race in the Prix d’Amerique.

The next prep race, the Prix de Bourgogne over 1-5/16 mile will be raced on December 28, and Jimmy Takter-trained Maven with Yannick Gingras driving, is expected to race here.