Sunday at Vincennes sees the culmination of a trotting series which began in March, covered the length and breadth of the country in 14 stages, and whose champion will be crowned at the weekend. Obviously, it can only be the Grand National du Trot which, each and every year, captivates racing fans throughout the land.

Carrying Gr.2 status for just this last leg, spectators will be treated to the much-awaited clash of current GNT leaders, Gaspar D’Angis and Horace Du Goutier. Between these two, they account for 11 stage wins, the scraps falling to Emeraude De Bais, Howdy Partner, and Idéal Du Pommeau, with one victory apiece. The last two will not, however, be present on Sunday.

Trainer Jean-Michel Baudouin already squeezes three GNT trophies on his mantelpiece and has every chance of adding a fourth with Gaspar D’Angis 19 points ahead of the Sébastien Guarato-trained Horace Du Goutier. That being said, should Hugues Monthulé score with the latter, and Eric Raffin has a bad day with the present leader, the standings can be reversed. This is precisely what occurred 12 months ago when Echo de Chanlecy denied Franck Harel’s Eire d’Hélios.

After final declarations, a baker’s dozen was left in, six on the front line, with Gendréen looking a major player, as does stablemate Inexess Bleu who romped to Gr.3 success at Vincennes just last weekend. Apart from the two leaders, there are 5 others incurring the 25m handicap, notably Emeraude De Bais, winner of the recent Mauquenchy leg, and Ganay de Banville who held his own in the Prix de Bretagne. Both Goeland D’Haufor and Falco D’Havaroche reassured when respectively 2nd and 3rd in a tough Class A recently, while Happy Valley’s form appears to be heading in the right direction.