by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Senior Newsroom Correspondent

The 5-year-old Swedish trotter, Readly Express driven by Jorma Kontio, who last year won the Swedish Trotting Derby as well as the European, UET Grand Prix, stepped up in class and took on the elder trotters in the Gold Division raced over 1-5/8 mile at Axevalla Saturday afternoon (July 22).

As Readly Express had done stud duties this year, he made his seasonal debut earlier this month beating Wild Honey, who also is five. But could he take on trotters like On Track Piraten etc.

Kanal 75 photo

Readly Express drivenby Jorma Konto win at Axevalla.

Kontio brought Readly Express to the front after 600 meters and stayed on to win in 1.55.2 (mile rate) equaling the world record held by On Track Piraten. And he is only just around 90 percent towards his best form, trainer Timo Nurmis said after the win.

Readly Express – another top trotter sired by leading French sire, Ready Cash has just raced 19 times and has 16 wins. He has earned $950,000.

Readly Express will now be aimed for the Jubilee Prize at Solvalla in August and later in the year, the big target will be the 2018 Prix d’Amerique.

His dam, Caddie Dream, is sired by Viking Kronos and has also foaled Caddie Lisieux, (Ready Cash), who recently won the Stosprintern, mile race for 4-year-old mares, at Halmstad.