The Prix de Bourgogne takes place four weeks before the Grand Prix d’Amérique Opodo and is the third of four races where contestants can qualify on points. These races are known as the “four Bs”, but the Prix de Bourgogne perhaps deserves its reputation as a “gateway” race more than the others. This is illustrated by the race’s roll of honour; no less than four of its winners have gone on to triumph in the world trotting drivers’ championship: Ready Cash (twice), Meaulnes du Corta and Jag de Bellouet. The 2100m race on the Grande Piste is nothing like the 2700m distance they’ll be running on the big day, but it’s time for all the champions to be getting back to the very pinnacle of their form and there’s nothing better than some competition to spur them on. The speeds they manage to reach on Sunday will set the contestants in good stead to move towards being in perfect condition.
There is yet another dimension to the race this year, as it will be Ready Cash’s penultimate chance to win the €31,000 he needs to qualify for the Grand Prix d’Amérique Opodo and his opponents will need to do their best to stop him if they want to avoid going head-to-head with him at the end of January. It is, nevertheless, one of the champion’s favourite exercises – he’s won the race three times – but also that of Texas Charm, who holds the record time of 1’10”.
