One of the most popular flat racing series’ in France, the Défi du Galop, offers up two stages this weekend. With the programme covering the four corners of the country, Saturday’s edition and 5th leg, takes place at Compiègne, with the 6th hosted the following day at Lyon-Parilly.

Run over 2400m, the Listed Grand Prix de Compiègne has attracted a small but competitive field, with top-weight Bolthole sure to attract considerable attention. He won a pair of races for Alban de Mieulle in Qatar before being shipped to France in April, and duly won a Bordeaux Listed with ease at the first time of asking. Never tested beyond 2000m in Europe, he will nevertheless garner significant support as he bids to earn his place at Group level.

Gran Premio di Milano runner-up, Dawn Intello, made a solid re-entry at Strasbourg early last month and is expected to acquit himself competitively once more. Others worth noting include the consistent Glaer, and Chancellery who imposed over 1800m at Compiègne on his return from an extended layoff.

The next day’s feature, the Listed Grand Prix de Lyon, also covers 2400m and of the nine declared, it is the Nicolas Clément-trained Fenelon that stands out. Third in the 2022 Grand Prix de Deauville, he was gelded at the end of last year and has looked a very different horse this season. He most recently won with authority over Sunday’s course and distance and is eminently capable of repeating.

Al Nayyir, previously in training with Doug Watson in Dubai, placed at Gr.3 level over the winter and makes a first start for his new handler, Romain Le Dren Doleuze. Highest rated horse in the field, he is not one to be underestimated. 

Trained in Germany, Mika D’O and Sir Filip are also in with a shout.