Grand National du Trot: The 10th Stage at Argentan
Updated: Oct 1
The 10th stage out of 13 of the Grand National du Trot, a true Tour de France for trotters. A competition unique in its kind, travelling each year to some of the biggest racecourses in the regions across France.
For 5 to 10-year-olds inclusive, 5, 6 and 7-year-olds having won at least €34,000, 8-year-olds at least €68,000. 9- and 10-year-olds at least €130,000. A 25m handicap from €295,000, and a 50m handicap from €528,000.
Competitors are awarded points based on their finishing position (1st: 15 points, 2nd: 10 points, 3rd: 8 points, 4th: 6 points, 5th: 5 points, 6th: 4 points, 7th: 3 points, other participants: 1 point). The regional stages (group 3 races) are held on Wednesdays. The final is planned for December 6th at Vincennes.
The driver of the horse leading the provisional GNT general classification wears the ‘’GNT Leader’’ colours. In this case, that will be number 5, Jentil Dieschoot, who’s leading with 38 points after participating in 6 stages.
2875m
1. Koves du Pont - Nicolas Bazire
A consistent performer, trainer Nicolas Bazire thinks he has a shot at a small placing: "He has been impeccable for many months. He's the least wealthy but not the least talented of the bunch, even if there are some serious contenders. He's not great in the corners, but he did well in August going right-handed. Looking at the other runners, he's capable of finishing in the top five."
2. Humour Festif - Jérôme Johnny Baillon
A horse mostly experienced in monté. His trainer confirms he’s only competing in harness races to fine-tune his preparation while awaiting upcoming mounted races. The biggest outsider in the field.
3. Jain Mab - Anthony Barrier
Struggles to fight for victory, but nevertheless an incredibly consistent performer. Often takes a (small) placing and cannot be ruled out to do the same again here. An interesting outsider for the tickets.
Trainer Alexandre Buisson confirms: "She will be in top form and the first-tier starting position is favorable. She is racing at home and is clearly better going right-handed. Admittedly, the competition is tough, but a place finish is still within her reach."
4. Jack des Ass - Mathieu Mottier
Theo Duvaldestin on the horse: "He finished where he should have in the last Angers stage. He was a good third. He'll try to repeat that performance, but he's a little less reliable than the other two (referring to Just de L’Oison and Ialto d’Hertals). He could make a mistake at the start of the race. But if everything goes well, he has the potential to finish in the top five."
5. Jentil Dieschoot - Alexandre Abrivard
Took one victory and a third place in earlier Grand National du Trot stages, but has been inconsistent. Although returning barefoot, his trainer, Kevin Leblanc, doesn’t think he’ll be able to repeat his best performances:
"I gave him a break this summer to ensure he was in good shape for the end of the season. He raced with irons on for his comeback at the beginning of the month in Angers, and he's not motivated in that configuration. That race did him good, and he'll be in the same form as when he won in Amiens. That said, the competition is significantly tougher.´´
6. Karnac Wood - Hugues Monthule
He faces a good field, but has shown before that it isn’t a problem. Made a break in his last start in Switzerland, which most likely cost him victory. Inconsistent but, at his best, an incredibly strong performer. Has proven a right-handed track suits him well. A wildcard.
7. Lord Delo - Thomas Beauchene
Recently moved from Nicolas Bazire to Victoriane Goetz. A great performer both in the region and on the bigger tracks like Vincennes. Although being among the best horses in the field on paper, his new trainer believes he needs some time:
"He recently arrived at my stables. In the mornings, everything is fine for him, but he's still wearing shoes and we have to keep an eye on him. We're running without any expectations. I think he'll have some good engagements coming up and this race will serve as preparation." Running on all irons, confirming the statement from the trainer.
8. Jipet de Crepin - Sebastien Ernault
When in shape, an excellent performer capable of battling for victory. Looks to be in the shape needed to do so. Trainer and driver is hopeful: "There are two or three competitors to face, but he's a tough horse who doesn't need anyone's help. We never make plans, but he's certainly capable of going forward. We're not changing anything from his last few outings, and he has no issues with the rail. I'm expecting a good race from him."
9. Little Brown - David Thomain
Strong, fast but inconsistent. Took a long-awaited victory in July at Cabourg, but didn’t impress in his next start at Enghien. Seems to prefer the regional tracks. His race at Cabourg confirms he handles right-handed tracks well, making him an interesting challenger in this field.
10. Jolivert du Gers - Matthieu Abrivard
Trainer and driver is confident he’ll be able to do well in this race: "He adapts to all tracks, but the field is strong. He should be able to secure a place again."
11. Hescort Love - Maxime Grasset
Has been exceptional this year with 4 victories out of 6 races. Although facing tough opposition, he’s not out of the conversation: "The horse is in perfect form right now and the race conditions are ideal. He turns superbly to the right and, before the start, there are no contraindications. Nevertheless, there is competition. It needs to go well, but he is brave and follows all the paces. In terms of pure class, there are two or three who are better than him, but he has the right to be among the best finishers in this race.’’
2900m
12. Jeannette Priory - Tony le Beller
Consistent podium placer in the longer-distance races and doesn’t mind racing from behind. Will be a true challenger to some of the other favorites. "She was very strong recently, winning the GNT stage in Angers. Here, the field is very strong and the pack is very large. Traffic problems will need to be avoided, but she still has a very good chance."
13. Just de L’Oison - Theo Duvaldestin
Looking for a fourth victory in a row. "He's having a superb year. He might go on holiday after this race, but the horse seems to be in good form. He's stayed fit. He'll like the Argentan track. It won't be easy to win, but he should do very well again. He can finish in the top three or four. He has a bit more class and engine than Ialto d’Hertals."
14. Indus Val - Pierre Yves Verva
Returns from a 3-month break and will need to get back into a rhythm. "A top finish will be difficult, but he won't be completely out of contention. It's not his preferred track, but he still runs to the right. If he gets a minor placing, we'll be happy."
15. Ialto d’Hertals - Clement DuvaldestinIncredibly consistent and a true racer, but struggles to take a victory. The trainer confirms he’s regained some freshness and is working well. They are not expecting him to finish in the top 2, but should manage a top 4 placing.
16. Harmonista - Franck Nivard
Lacked suppleness in her last race in July and has been treated. Trainer and driver Franck Nivard is cautious: "Under these conditions, it's best to pass on her. I'm running her because this race is being held close to home."
17. Jazzman Debailleul - Antoine Lherete
Will be driven by Antoine Lherete for the first time. Trainer Erno Szirmay tells more about his horse and previous race: "I didn't make the right choices in the Critérium de Vitesse held on this track. However, he left me with a good impression. With a bit more luck, he could have finished fifth. He's in good form and the race conditions remain favorable. Moreover, he's racing at home. Even though I can't strongly recommend him, he shouldn't be ruled out for fifth place."
2925m
18. Hulysse Digeo - Jean William Hallais
An incredibly consistent performer that often faces the absolute best of France, but is faced with an incredibly tough task starting 50 meters behind. His trainer and driver isn't hopeful: "His form is good, but I don't have a choice of races. This participation in the GNT will allow me to potentially enter him in the Final. Giving up fifty meters in such a large field looks very complicated. In this case, I can't start with confidence."
Favorites: Just de L’Oison, Jeannette Priory, Hescort Love, Ialto d’Hertals, Jipet de Crepin
Challengers: Little Brown, Indus Val, Jack des Ass, Hulysse Digeo, Karnac Wood, Jolivert du Gers
Outsiders: Jentil Dieschoot, Koves du Pont, Jain Mab, Jazzman Debailleul, Lord Delo
Longshots: Harmonista, Humour Festif
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