by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Nuncio, driven by Stefan Melander, went to post as the 2-10 favorite in a 1-5/16th mile contest at Solvalla Wednesday night (Dec. 13), but had to settle for second.

The race was meant to be a final prep race for Nuncio, before he would go to Paris to race next in the Prix de Bourgogne at Vincennes on Dec. 31, but after a disappointing performance, Wednesday’s race could be his last race in a glorious career.

Nuncio and Melander were in command most of the trip and just 100 yards before the finish line it seemed that Nuncio was going to win by two or three lengths. However, on the outside Food Money, driven by Ulf Ohlsson, finished strong and was able to catch Nuncio. Food Money, who was winless this year, won by a head in 1:58.2f (mile rate).

Melander has yet to decide whether to stick to the plan and send Nuncio to France and aim him not only for the Prix de Bourgogne, but also the Prix d’Amerique, or call it a day and Nuncio will go to stud.