by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

Ready Cash was destined to be the next top French international trotter, but in the Criterium des 5 Ans at Vincennes on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 4), he went off stride and was disqualified. Instead the race was won by Roc Meslois, driven by trainer-driver Pierre Belloche.

Gerard Forni photo

Roc Meslois won the Criterium des 5 Ans for Pierre Belloche.

Until this year Ready Cash had been the star of the crop of 2005 and he has earnings of more than $1.5 million. But the very handsome trotter has now acted too headstrong in several races and thus driver Jos. Verbeeck has had big trouble in keeping him flat.

Before going to post as the heavy favorite Ready Cash had won two races in 2010 — both back in spring. After he had been at stud serving a full book of mares, he returned to racing in August and raced twice where he was taken very easy during the race.

In the Criterium des 5 Ans — a classic race with a total purse of $310,000 over the 1-7/8 mile distance — Verbeeck directed him to the front, but soon Ready Cash became headstrong and went off stride and was disqualified and placed last. Instead the second favorite, Roc Meslois, driven by Pierre Belloche, got an easy task and won by open lengths in 1:58 (mile rate).

Roc Meslois is a chestnut trotter sired by Look de Star — he by the champion sire Coktail Jet. Roc Meslois has nine wins from 32 races and total earnings of $830,00. This was the biggest win for his young trainer and driver Pierre Belloche.

After the race Ready Cash was transferred from his trainer, Phillippe Allaire, to Thiery Duvaldestin, who shall try to get Ready Cash’s nerves under control. Duvaldestin trains at a farm in the countryside, while Allaire has his stable at Grosbois, where more than 1,000 trotters are stabled.