THE Prix d’Amerique was named by the French trotting authorities in 1920 in honour of the American soldiers who fought to save France in World War I. The race has evolved into the major trotting race in Europe.

Only America’s Hambletonian and Sweden’s Elitloppet are of similar stature in world trotting.

The ‘Winter Season’ at Vincennes is notoriously tough. Runners must qualify for ‘l’Amerique’ by being placed in one of six group races from November through to January.

The local pundits in Paris are narrowing the massive field down to four horses with a major chance. A winner from outside of the four mentioned here would be viewed as an upset.

During the current season several of last season’s ‘cracks’ (the French slang for a top class performer) have been out of sorts. The poor form of former winners Readly Express (9/4) and Bold Eagle (4/1) gives the 2019 renewal an added edge.

Could this be a year to crown a new king? How about a queen?

The elegant chestnut mare Bellina Jossleyn (5/2) is amongst the favourites.

The race is open to entire males and mares aged from four to 10. The American mare Moni Maker is the most recent female to take the prize, her victory coming in 1999.

Moni Maker’s US connections decided to employ a local expert back in 1999. Jean Michele Bazire (affectionately known as ‘JMB’) was in the sulky that day.

Bazire has won the Prix d’Amerique twice more in the intervening years. The 47-year-old trainer-driver will drive Bellina Josselyn.

Bellina Josselyn qualified for the Prix d’Amerique with a second placing behind Delia de Pommeureux in the Prix du Bourbonnais on December 9th.

The daisy-cutting mare put in an impressive performance in the Prix de Belgique a fortnight ago. She was first past the post but disqualified for not keeping a straight line.

Propulsion (5/1) is trained by Daniel Reden and won the Prix Aby Stora in Sweden in August, beating Readly Express.

The betting is 14/1 bar these four with 19 runners declared.

*Prices were available from Bet 365 at time of going to press and have been converted to fractional pricing.