by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

Four of the best trotters in Europe are to meet over the mile in the Grand Prix du Conseil Général des Alpes-Maritimes and this could be the race of the year.

For the first time ever, the two-time winner of the Prix d’Amerique, Ready Cash, will meet this year’s superstar in European harness racing, Commander Crowe, the winner of the Elitlopp, Oslo Grand Prix, Aabergs, and Olympic Trot. He trotted in a world record 1:50.4f in his last race, winning the Aabergs Memorial at Jägersro.

Rapide Lebel, the very fast, but difficult French trotter, who gave San Pail quite a match last year in the Breeders Crown in Canada, is in as well, but has struggled to come back in form.

Quaker Jet, who was timed in 1:52f in his last race, is the fourth trotting star in the field of eight.

The total purse is $225,000.