With a pair of Gr.1s and three Gr.2 races scheduled, ParisLongchamp offers up a feast of high-class racing this Saturday. On the eve of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, this programme is more than just a taster of what is to come the next day.

Undeniably the most prestigious race of the afternoon is the Gr.1 Prix Royallieu which pits 3 year-old fillies against their older counterparts over a tough 2800m. Francis Graffard appears to be particularly well-armed with his two runners, Melo Melo and Baiykara, who were separated by just a short-neck in the Gr.2 Prix de Pomone six weeks ago. The former has since gone on to run 2nd in the Prix Vermeille and will likely be sent off favourite. Sumo Sam, Shamida, and Ottery are also to be considered serious contenders.

The Prix du Cadran, the finest stayers’ event on the French calendar, has brought together just six runners but it sees 2021 hero and recent Doncaster Cup winner, Trueshan, take on Ballydoyle’s Emily Dickinson who is still in search of that elusive maiden Group 1 victory. On paper, the other four will fight it out for third, with the hardy Skazino a late addition.

Restricted to 3 year-olds and run over 2800m, the Gr.2 Prix Chaudenay has attracted a larger field and, after losing out to foreign horses in four of the last five editions, French chances appear considerably better this time around. Star attraction, Gallerist, makes his Group 1 debut after winning five straight, and his limits are simply unknown. Also sure to generate interest are Double Major and Sevenna’s Knight who finished respectively 2nd and 4th to the favourite in the Gr.3 Prix de Lutèce. Dermot Weld sends over Harbour Wind who most recently won a Leopardstown Listed without breaking a sweat.

The Gr.2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein, for 3 year-olds and upwards over a mile, has attracted quite the field and Isaac Shelby is sure to be well-backed, but trainer Brian Meehan will be wary of Hungerford Stakes winner, Witch Hunter, who is close to his first win over 1600m. The French appear to have a tough task ahead of them but Top Gear, Fast Raj, and Belbek should all prove competitive.

Last Group 2 of the day, the 1950m Prix Dollar, for 3+, will see Horizon Doré back in action in a bid to take his winning streak to four. Despite the depth of quality, which includes Erevann, Jack Darcy, and American Flag, it is hard to imagine Patrice Cottier’s gelding, who runs in the same colours as Ace Impact, not punching his ticket to the Champion Stakes at Newmarket in three weeks’ time.