The top French trotter Face Time Bourbon took another victorious step towards the Prix d’Amerique as he won the Prix de Bourgogne at Vincennes Sunday afternoon (Jan. 3).

Face Time Bourbon won the Prix de Bourgogne at Vincennes Sunday afternoon. Gerard Forni photo.

Face Time Time Bourbon, trained by Sebastian Guarato and with Björn Goop in the bike, went to post as the 3-5 favorite in the third of the four B-qualification races for the prestigious Prix d’Amerique at Vincennes.

Face Time Bourbon won, but had to fight for the victory as Vivid Wise As (an Italian trotter sired by Yankee Glide) with trainer/driver Alessandro Gocciadoro and the French mare Delia du Pommereux with David Thomain finished strong on the outside. Face Time Bourbon managed to win by a head but made a brave effort as he had to trot outside without cover most of the trip. The first three finishers were all timed in 1:52.2f (mile rate).

For the Italian owner Scuderia Bivans, the race was a huge success, as the stable owns both Face Time Bourbon and Vivid Wise As.

While Face Time Bourbon already was qualified to race in the Prix d’Amerique, Vivid Wise As and Delia du Pommereux with their placings today secured their spots in the big race.