Group One Action at Auteuil.
The G1 Prix la Haye Jousselin (5500m) is the headline race on an exciting Group One card at Auteuil on Sunday. The younger horses will compete for Group One glory in the Prix Cambaceres Hurdle (3600m) for three-year-olds and the Prix Maurice Gillois Chase (4400m) for four-year-olds...
G1 Prix Maurice Gillois (4400m)
This Sunday will see the top four-year-old chasers do battle in the G1 Prix Maurice Gillois (4400m). Won by the likes of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run, the high-class Carriacou, Le Berry and Figuero, this year's renewal will be looking to unearth another star chaser.
The Francois Nicolle-trained L'Aubonniere could be at the top of that list following a half-length success in the course and distance G3 Prix Orcada four weeks ago. Trainer Francois Nicolle is operating at a 30% strike-rate from his last fifty runners and this son of Doctor Dino could well add to that tally. Stablemate Le Listrac was beaten one-and-three-quarter-lengths when back in third on that occasion and must be considered as a previous winner of the track and trip G1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure in May.
There are plenty of other candidates however who need consideration, including course and distance G3 Prix La Perichole (4400m) winner Bimbo Has. That success was back in June, and he could strip fitter for a comfortable hurdle win at Nantes on reappearance. Sel Jem is two from two over fences and must be respected after a one-and-three-quarter-length victory in the Listed Prix Bayonnet (4400m) (Steeplechase) over track and trip. Hades has placed at this level in the past and cannot be discounted whilst Gold Tweet is dangerous to dismiss for trainer Gabriel Leenders.
G1 Prix Cambacérès (3600m)
This weekend also sees exciting three-year-old's take centre stage in the G1 Prix Cambacérès (3600m) (Hurdle) which is another top-quality contest race that has produced some successfulhigh-class horses over the years including the likes of De Bon Coeur, Master Dino and the aforementioned Long Run.
The key trial race for this Grade One contest in recent years has been the course and distance G2 Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy (3600m) (Hurdle) that took place just over three weeks ago. It must be noted that five of the last six winners of the G1 Prix Cambacérès (3600m) (Hurdle) have all competed in the G2 Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy (3600m) (Hurdle) with three of the past four completing the double.
Last year's G2 Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy (3600m) (Hurdle) winner Golden Son looks the obvious starting point amongst these highly talented contenders. Francois Nicolle-trains this son of Martaline who is nowtwo from five over hurdles beating the re-opposing Imprenable (second) and Sans Bruit (third) in the process. The latter mentioned looks sure to be involved given the strength of that race whilst Sans Bruit cannot be ruled out for leading trainer David Cottin.
However, the main danger may come from the unbeaten G3 Haras d'Etreham - Prix Magne (3600m) (Hurdle) winner Hawai du Berlais. Owned by the late Magalen Bryant this daughter of Martaline remains one of the most exciting prospects around and rates highly for trainer Arnaud Chaille-Chaille, who has won the last three renewals of this contest.
This race is sure to be another thrilling renewal and there are plenty in with a chance.
