Sparingly raced trotter with room for improvement and sound references/form credentials, which include a last-start 2nd at Grenade-sur-Garonne over 2725m on 24 November. The horse to beat

Experienced hard-knocker with sound form references - seldom far off the mark, though rarely wins (won2 of 51 appearances). Didn't go unnoticed when finishing 6th over 2600m at Nantes on 30 November

Enigmatic but undeniably capable sort - usually acquits himself competitively if applied/remaining wise. Disqualified in back-to-back recent starts, the latest at Argentan on 15 December but could make amends

Versatile hard-knocker who seldom finishes far off the mark but must improve to make his presence felt, having finished 10th in a 3150m mounted race Saint-Brieuc on 6 December. Outsider

Talented but complicated in equal measure, if not more so - rarely far from a fault but shouldn't be taken lightly, despite 3 consecutive disqualifications (the latest at Reims on 7 December). Keep safe

Inconsistent performer whose best references/performances were without irons (unshod). Disqualified at Argentan on 15 December and is best watched for now

Consistent hard-knocker with the form and experience to fight for victory. Soundly beaten 11th (shod) at Argentan over 2150m but should fare better now with shoes removed

Unreliable but has the means to play a leading role if avoiding disqulification, especially in this (barefoot) configuration. Finished 9th (shod) at Argentan over 2150m on 15 December

Blows hot and cold at a lower level but is most efficient/competitive racing unshod. Unplaced (shod) over 2700m at Graignes on 29 Augiust - for another day

Complicated but undeniably capable trotter - usually acquits himself competitively when remaining wise. Shouldn't be hastily condemned for his recent failure (disqualification) at Meslay on 19 December

Experienced 23-start maiden with sound references/form credentials, including back-to-back runners-up finishes (both in this barefoot configuration) - the latest over 2600m at Nancy on 30 November. Big chance

Experienced hard-knocker with sound references/form credentials but currently out of sorts - disqualified last time out over 2450m at Caen on 9 November. For another day

Delicate (seldom far from a fault) but retains undeniable means/ability, though is most effective without his irons. Absent since finishing 8th (unshod) at Vincennes on 7 June - best watched for now

Honest trotter on an upward trajectory - regained momentum recently in 2 starts with this shoe-fitting, the latest (2nd) over 2500m at Saint-Brieuc on 3 November. Winning chance

Sparked improvement in this barefoot configuration to finish a reassuring 4th over 2625m at Cherbourg on 24 November. Confirmation required

Out of sorts and unlikely to trouble the judge on the evidence of recent performances, the latest (failed to finish) in a 2825m harness race at Le Croise-Laroche on 25 November