New prep for the Grand Steeple: youth on the move

New prep for the Grand Steeple: youth on the move

Auteuil will host a top-class meeting on Sunday, March 30, with the Prix Murat–Grand Steeple-Chase Masters (Group 2) as the feature race. This new trial for the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (Gr1) will see the younger generation take to the outer track.

Eight runners are set to line up in the Prix Murat, most of them 5- and 6-year-olds. Winner of the Prix Troytown–Grand Steeple-Chase Masters (Group 3), Kif Kif Bourricot (Masked Marvel) is a chaser in full bloom. But the Grand Steeple is not yet on the agenda for him at 5 years old—his connections prefer to keep him for next season. After a pleasing comeback win, Goliath du Rheu (Castle du Berlais) is firmly being aimed at the Grand Steeple. He’ll take on the fearsome rail-ditch for the first time—Auteuil’s biggest obstacle—in a bid to seal his spot for the big race on May 18. Group 1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure winner Kolokico (Cokoriko) had a luckless return when he tangled himself in his reins, but he's back over fences and worth watching, as is Jeune Coko (Cokoriko), winner of the Group 3 Prix Fondeur. Kashdam (Kapgarde) already has a prep win under his belt this year in the Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre–Grand Steeple-Chase Masters (Group 3), but may not find the softer ground he prefers. Jazz Manouche (Nom de D’La), runner-up to Kashdam, is another who deserves another look.

Stretching out for the 4-year-olds

Four-year-old chasers will face 4,400m for the first time, which could shake up the form. Only seventh on his return in the Prix Duc d’Anjou (Group 3) after making jumping errors, Hacker du Berlais (Doctor Dino) should appreciate the longer trip, although he still has to concede weight. Sobriquette (Goliath du Berlais), who won the Prix Duc d’Anjou, could remain unbeaten over fences, especially if the ground turns very soft. Lauthentyko (Pour Moi) and Apollon du Luy (Kapgarde) are reliable performers at this level, while fillies Olympic Story (Masked Marvel) and Botervia du Kalon (Bathyrhon) will be stepping up in class.

3-year-olds to discover

The meeting kicks off with the Prix Grandak and Prix Géographie, restricted to unraced 3-year-old colts and fillies, respectively. In the Grandak, several colts have outstanding pedigrees, such as Santander (Saint des Saints), a brother to Listed winner Murcia (Doctor Dino), Jolly Swagman (Walk in the Park), representing the powerful Irish operation Coolmore, and Lotus Vert (Doctor Dino), a son of the outstanding Dalia Grandchamp (Kapgarde). In the Prix Géographie, Delmegan (Goliath du Berlais) is a sister to Group winners in England and Ireland, Goshen (Authorized) and Elimay (Montmartre), Mille et Une Vies (The Grey Gatsby) is a sister to black type performer Ha La Land (Poliglote), and Lakliaa (Kapgarde) is a sister to Nassalam (Dream Well), winner of the Welsh Grand National.