Youth takes centre stage at Auteuil

This Sunday at Auteuil, the spotlight will be on the three-year-olds, with a Group 2, a Group 3 and a Listed race dedicated to them. It is at this age that a jumper truly begins to take shape, and starting young is considered a real advantage—both physically and mentally—for the rest of a horse’s career, as shown by recent British studies. The Prix Georges de Talhouët-Roy (Group 2) serves as the key prep for the Prix Cambacérès (Group 1), the top hurdle race for three-year-olds. The main attraction will undoubtedly be the return of Léopard du Berlais, who pulled off the remarkable feat of winning the Prix Aguado (Group 3)—the leading spring contest for 3-year-old colts—on debut. He will face, among others, Good Girl de Faust, winner of the Prix de Chambly (Group 3), as well as Wild Bill Hickok, The Mighty Celt, and Shannon Maestro, all among the best of their generation last spring.

In the Prix Magne (Group 3), a stepping stone towards the Haras d’Etreham Prix Sagan (Group 2), the spotlight will shift to the fillies’ division. Leading the pack is Olga de Kiev, who produced a brilliant turn of foot on her seasonal reappearance. She will take on her stable companion Télétrope and the promising Mélisse du Mathan in what promises to be an exciting contest. The Prix Noiro (Listed), a prep for the Prix Congress (Group 2), will feature some of the most promising young chasers. Nador (Gémix) will be the one to beat after his impressive performance on his Auteuil chase debut. Behind him, the competition looks wide open, with the likes of Kap of Gold (Kapgarde), Santander (Saint des Saints), Volcana du Berlais (Nathaniel), and Hélios du Luy (Latrobe) all capable of making their mark.

Finally, the Prix Bayonnet (Listed), a lead-up to the Prix Maurice Gillois (Group 1) for the top four-year-old chasers, will bring together several rising stars. Musique Maestro, a recent comeback winner who relishes good ground, will meet Nirvalla, dazzling on her return, Bahyadame, a strong type who could really shine at four, the unlucky but talented Lovely Gino, the gifted World Apart, the highly regarded Pickland, and Lauthentyko, who would prefer softer conditions. All will be vying for a coveted ticket to the Group 1 on November 16.