Even if the points now count double in the fence, the final victory seemed to be decided a few days ago between the horse of Christophe Jariel and that of Franck Leblanc who have a clear advantage over their pursuers with 71 and 53 points respectively. Logical and deserved, one would be tempted to write, because the first named has spared no effort since the start of the circuit. With seven participations already on the clock, he is also the one who has competed in the most stages this year. After having seemed to suffer the blow at the beginning of the autumn by being at fault at Le Mans and failing at Cherbourg, the son of Django Riff has just reassured those around him by placing third in the Nantes stage. Ibiki de Houellefor his part, was not unworthy either, knowing that he finished either first or second of the four stages he competed in Cordemais, Croisé-Laroche, Laval and Saint-Malo.
This Wednesday, both will start at the same level. A parameter which can allow the wearer of Daniel Augereau’s pink jacket to take revenge on his rival who beat him each time with an advantage of twenty-five meters. By winning in Saint-Malo, the son of Love You proved that he was not only a left-hander but also a very good right-hander, an essential characteristic for success on the Toulouse racecourse.
But, because there is always a “but”, the entry d’Iguski Sautonne in the tournament could well upset the plans of our two leaders. After placing second at Le Mans, the son of Village Mystic has just easily won the Saint-Galmier stage. And that day, Matthieu Abrivard already had this Toulouse stage in mind. “He’s better on the right” he then confided, before declaring in his weekly column: “The horse remained in good shape. We are going there with legitimate ambitions before planning, why not, for the Final.” Well placed at the near post, his protégé should start with the status of favorite and make him forget his day last Wednesday on this racecourse, where he had to be replaced during a meeting following hip pain.
Specialist of the Toulouse track and presented for the first time unshod on all four feet, Gabriella Duem also has a good chance at the first starting level, like Have Sevenwho has just traced a good track course at Vincennes in preparation for this race and who has already done well on the right, notably this summer at Cabourg in the Grand Prix de la Ville. After three good races, Meadow Jakartas (see below) is also competitive for places, as Goal Star et Undefeated Madiba.
