The emotion of the Sytaj

A highlight of Auteuil’s penultimate meeting of the season, the Prix Sytaj (Group 3) promises to be a moment filled with emotion. Indeed, this race will mark the final runner saddled by leading jumps trainer Jehan Bertran de Balanda, who sends out Ocre for his farewell. Recently honoured during the “48h de l’Obstacle” by France Galop, the Maisons-Laffitte-based horseman has a strong chance of bowing out in style with his seasoned mare.

However, Ocre will face some serious opposition. Adrénalyne, who unseated her rider in the Prix Fondeur (Group 3) but showed plenty of class; Kouca de Thaix, a model of consistency at this level; Nirvalla, third in the Prix Maurice Gillois (Group 1) against the best 4-year-olds just two weeks ago; or Lacokokeldy, runner-up in the Prix Triquerville (Listed). And the revelation could well be Shanyadame, winner of three of her four starts and arriving with plenty of freshness for this Prix Sytaj.