As next month’s Weekend de l’obstacle draws nearer, trainers are eager to prepare their horses ready in time, and the Grade 2 and trio of Grade 3 races on Saturday’s Auteuil programme all lead to the 48-hour festival.

Three year-old hurdlers are on show in the Grade 2 Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy, a race which sees the return of Jigme after suffering his first defeat, on comeback here, 3 weeks ago. Léon Du Berlais, who beat him that day, is back in action, and will be joined by relative newcomers Pistache Doré, and Kingland and Milan Tino, respectively 1st and 2nd in last month’s Listed Prix Finot.

For 5 year-olds and upwards, the Prix Carmarthen annually attracts a number of hardened hurdlers and champion Thélème may make his much-awaited return, provided the ground has enough give in it. Otherwise, it’s straight to a Cheltenham G.1 next March. 2nd & 3rd in the Prix de Compiègne, Ine Anjou and La Chenevière are the principal opposition.

An important prep for the Prix La Haye Jousselin, the Prix Héros XII will see Gran Diose make his first appearance since running second to La Manigance over course and distance last June. Others in with a shout of picking up some place money include Inga Kam, Ho La La Forez, and Incollable.

The Prix Orcada chase brings together a small field of 4 year-olds with G.1 champion Juntos Ganamos leading the way. Entrusted to Gabin Meunier, with Felix de Giles injured, Cédric Boutin’s colt should logically bounce back from last month’s misfortune. Speed Emile similarly came a cropper that day, also when full of running, and will have his chances. Fifth in the Ferdinand Dufaure during the spring, Jardin D’Arthel will come under scrutiny on his much-awaited return to racing.