There are just two stages of the Grand National du Trot left to run before the final at Vincennes on 3 December, and the 13th leg will be hosted at Nantes on Wednesday 8 November before moving on to Rouen-Mauquenchy a fortnight later.

Winner of the last two editions, at Reims and just prior at Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Gaspar D’Angis has drawn clear at the top of the points table with 121, compared to the 94 secured by his closest rival, Horace Du Goutier. All other runners have struggled to keep pace, with closest contender, Howdy Partner, in 3rd place with just 32.

There is something of a similar trend being played out on the drivers’ front with Gaspar’s faithful partner, Eric Raffin, leading the way on 119 points, that is to say 33 more than Horace’s regular driver, Hugues Monthulé. Franck Nivard occupies 3rd spot a further 51 adrift.

Points are likewise spread out in the trainers’ department, Jean-Michel Baudouin having stolen a march on Sébastien Guarato, now leading him by 27 points. Third-placed Jean-Michel Bazire has no chance of catching the leaders.

News that will bring little joy to racegoers is that the top two horses are unlikely to clash next week. Horace Du Goutier is scheduled to run, in a bid to reaffirm after failing to fire last time out, while the current classification-leader is not expected to return until the Mauquenchy stage.

Although untried at the Loire-Atlantique venue, Guarato’s 6 year-old will nevertheless be sent out with most of the money behind him. He excels over the 3000m that Nantes will offer and should logically narrow the gap as the series heads towards its conclusion. With just two horses really in it, next month’s final looks a thriller.