Auteuil set for a gala day of racing this Saturday

The Auteuil racecourse will don its finest attire this Saturday, hosting four Group races — the highest level of competition — all serving as key trials for the Group 1 contests of the 48 Heures de l’Obstacle meeting (November 15–16). Each of them provides a compelling reason to head to the Parisian venue.

In the Prix Heros XII (Gr3), run over 4,400m on the chase course, two winners of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (Gr1) will line up: Gran Diose, trained by the popular Louisa Carberry, and Sel Jem, who has the advantage of a recent outing. Last season’s top 4-year-old chaser Juntos Ganamos returns after a long summer break. The Pamart–Chaillé-Chaillé team from Royan will be well represented with Bon Garçon, Kaadam, and Toscana du Berlais, all serious contenders aiming for a ticket to the Prix La Haye Jousselin (Gr1), Auteuil’s autumn showpiece.

In the Prix Carmarthen (Gr3) over hurdles — a prep for the Grand Prix d’Automne – Prix Serge Landon (Gr1) — the first two home in the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil, El Clavel and Losange Bleu, will meet again in what promises to be an enthralling rematch. Speedy types like Gallipoli and Jet Blue, who impressed by defeating the British at Cheltenham, could play the role of spoilers.

The Prix Orcada (Gr3) will serve as a trial for the Prix Maurice Gillois (Gr1). Lanivtsi, winner of the Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (Gr1) and leader of his generation, made a winning reappearance and is the one to beat against familiar rivals Lecoeurdeshommes, Kirakine, Olympic Story, and newcomers such as La Palmeraie, Cœur d’Amour, and Maguelon.

Finally, the Prix Pierre de Lassus (Gr3) acts as the springboard to the Prix Renaud du Vivier (Gr1) for the best 4-year-old hurdlers. Sain d’Esprit, who returned with a stunning comeback win and previously captured the Prix Cambacérès (Gr1), will clash with Kivala du Berlais, winner of the Prix Alain du Breil (Gr1).