Can Cannes deliver another podium finish for Tops-Alexandeer

Edwina Tops-Alexander and Cevo Itot du Chateau 
warm-up beneath the Cannes sunshine 
Photograph:Sportfot/GCT

The world’s top 30 riders will be out in force for three days of intense competition climaxing in the €285,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix on Saturday night.

In recent seasons Cannes has been a happy hunting ground for Australian representative Edwina Tops-Alexander, the two time overall series winner and current series champion. She is a two time winner of this event (2011, 2010) and was third in 2012. Her mount, the french gelding Cevo Itot du Chateau, is always popular among the enthusiastic audience and has traditionally peformed strongly here. Edwina is currently ranked 5th in the race for this year's title and will be hoping one of the duo's more favoured venues proves fruitful once more.

The glamorous Hesperides Arena near the internationally famous Croisette will be the scene for the highest level of show jumping competition in the world featuring the best riders and horses and the highest prize money.

Ranking leader Luciana Diniz is only one point ahead of US rider Laura Kraut and they are closely followed by Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, who is part of a strong German contingent at the event. France will also be fielding a strong turnout of the nation’s leading riders. Last year’s winner Gerco Schroder will be hoping to repeat his powerful performance in the Grand Prix.

View Eurosport broadcast times by searching 'equestrian' at http://tv.au.eurosport.com or watch online at http://www.globalchampionstour.com