Just a week on from a memorable Prix du Jockey-Club, racing returns to Longchamp on Sunday for a 10-race programme which includes a trio of Listed events, the Gr.3 Prix Paul de Moussac for 3 year-olds, and the Gr.3 La Coupe for 4 and up.

Runner-up in the latter 12 months ago, the endearing veteran Hooking showed this winter that even at 8, he is as spry and as sharp as ever. Expected to play a prominent part, he nevertheless risks coming up against one or two others of superior quality.

Fourth in the 2022 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Al Hakeem makes his first appearance since running fourth in last year’s Prix Ganay, in which he suffered a sidelining injury. Beaten just a head in the 2024 Ganay, Zarir is another serious proposition. Birr Castle ran 6th that day. 

Other candidates in with a realistic shout include Flight Leader, winner of a Gr.3 in 2023, and German Gr.2-winning Calif who has since been moved to the yard of Carlos and Yann Lerner.

An absolute revelation since his victorious January debut, the Jérôme Reynier-trained Lazzat made it four on the trot after winning the Gr.3 Prix Djebel with ease, and will be very much in focus in the Prix Paul de Moussac, especially since he will be assisted by the pace-setting Lazym who is in to ensure his stablemate’s unbeaten run continues.

His principal concern will be Sajir, winner of the 1100m Gr.3 Prix Sigy on his seasonal bow. André Fabre's colt won a 1400m Listed last year and will not be troubled by the trip.

Ten Horns, Havana Cigar, and the only filly in the race, Opera Mundi, will also have their chances.