Honest hard-knocker who seldom finishes far off the mark on a going day but is currently out of sorts. Unplaced (9th) in a course-and-distance event on 28 December - best watched for now

Lightly raced trotter with undeniable means and references at a higher level, though most effective without his irons. Best watched for now after a recent disqualification in a course-and-distance event on 28 December

Returned to form with a reassuring 3rd in a course-and-distance race on 28 December in this (barefoot) configuration. Confirmation expected

Honest hard-knocker with sound references/form credentials - seldom finishes far off the mark on a going day. Didn't go unnoticed (8th) in a course-and-distance race on 28 December and is fully unshod for the first time in his career

Complicated trotter disqualified in 4 consecutive recent appearances, the latest in a course-and-distance contest on 21 December. For another day

Won 3 consecutive course-and-distance races in this unshod configuration before finishing 9th (shod) on his return at Vincennes on 15 December after a 4-month absence. Hard to oppose with his shoes removed

Ultra-consistent filly with impressive form figures, including 3 consecutive victories and last-start 4th over course and distance on 21 December. Candidate for success, even with her irons (shod)

Honest hard-knocker with sound/consistent form references at a higher level. Disqualified in a course-and-distance race on21 December but shouldn't be hastily condemned for that failure - has the means to make amends

Course-and-distance specialist who finished 2nd over track and trip in a similar race on 21 December. Will have a role to play

Well-performed trotter with undeniable means and sound references/form credentials at a higher level. Shouldn't be hastily condemned for finishing 8th over 2850m in a stronger race/field at Vincennes on 15 December - dark horse