Trotting star Intimidate has a new owner.

Trainer Luc Blais confirmed he’s sold his share in the 2012 Breeders Crown champion to prominent owner Serge Godin, racing as Ecurie Determination of Westmount, Que.

Blais was hired to train the Godin string last October, succeeding Dustin Jones.

“It mattered who I sold him to. And I still get to train him. That was a factor in the sale. If all goes well and he stays healthy, it’ll be fun,” said Blais, 51, now based in Ontario and training 22 horses.

Intimidate’s co-owner, Judy Farrow of Hemmingford, Que., retained her share. Blais said the deal arose from discussions he’s had with Godin in recent weeks.

Intimidate, a career winner of almost $600,000 who finished eighth as favourite in the Breeders Crown final last fall at Mohegan Sun Pocono after winning the three-year-old event at Woodbine in 2012, is on schedule to return to the races in May with the Cutler at the Meadowlands as the first major goal, Blais said.

The Justice Hall gelding is staked to most of the major events for older trotters this year, as is his new stablemate, 2012 two-year-old champion Wheeling N Dealin, fully owned by Godin. The stable’s other top older trotter, Prestidigitator, will not race this year, Blais said.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)