Starting later than its usual slot in the calendar, Pau’s jump meeting gets up and running this Sunday with a very attractive programme. Three of the eight races scheduled carry Class 1 status and we can expect a taster of what is to come in the big events next February.

First prep race for the coveted Grand Cross de Pau, run on 18 February, the Prix Hubert de Navailles should allow us the opportunity to see the return of Saint Godefroy who won this race 12 months ago, but was subsequently very unlucky in the Grand Cross a few weeks later. Grand Cross titleholder Hip Hop Conti has not been seen out since either, and is also expected to make his comeback, while stablemates Lucky Net Love, Etonnant and Nuits Premier Cru could similarly make an appearance. Daniela Mele has left a number in, spearheaded by her battle-hardened 6 year-old, Harmonie Roque. The Lageneste & Macaire stable looks set to be represented by the consistent Ivresse D’Estruval.

Winner of the 2023 Grand Prix de Pau, Youtwo Glass returns to the foot of the Pyrénées for the Prix Comte de Saint-Cricq, a Class 1 hurdles event over 3800m. Beaten just once in six Pau appearances, he will find himself well in at the weights for his seasonal re-entry. Stablemate Brexit, Hano De Loi, and Noble Diamond, comprise the principal opposition.

Final, and most valuable, Class 1 of the day, the Prix Château de Pau, won by Youtwo Glass in 2022, should see a number of Pau-chasing-specialists in action, most notably the veteran, Calnutz. Others worth watching include Virgo Celestin, and the well-travelled winner of the 2021 G.1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure, Le Listrac, who makes his first appearance at the picturesque track.