Start of the Grand National du Trot

Amiens, Wednesday 9 March: The Hippodrome d`Amiens will host the first leg of the French provincial circuit Grand National du Trot (1st race/14.00/90.000 Euro/2900 m) today. A total of 14 races are scheduled and then in Vincennes the best on points will compete for the big money in the `Clôture`.

The opening winner could be Favori de l`Iton (Eric Raffin), although the seven-year-old`s form is anything but inviting. The tough races in Vincennes should have strengthened him. Voila de Muze (Franck Ouvrie) has to cope with an allowance. The eight-year-old was seen in the Prix de Cornulier (Group 1) this year, but failed to gallop. Before that, he was an excellent second in a `B` race. Falco d`Havaroche (Gabriele Gelormini) is one of the most in-form horses in the field. Two wins and an honourable mention at the last three appearances clearly speak for the seven-year-old. Divine Monceau (Francois Lagadeuc) confirmed his previous second place with handicap in Agen-Le Passage. A year ago, he won in a heady field and Farah des Caux (David Thomain) also won a `C` race on 30 December against Flaya Kalouma (Gabriel Angel Pou Pou) and Flamme Vive (Franck Nivard). De la Cheneviere (Francois Lecanu) must not be judged by her last two races, she is capable of surprise.