This Saturday, 24 February, sees the return of action to Auteuil, the home of French jump racing. Of the eight races programmed, all eyes will be fixed on the G.3, 4400m Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre which is open to 5 year-olds and up and is suitably well-endowed with a €150,000 prize pot.

Maiden leg of the Grand Steeple-Chase Masters Series, this illustrious event is also the first recognised prep race for the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris which will be staged at the same venue, on 19 May.

The G.3 Grand Prix de Pau line is very much in evidence here with 11/1 winner In Love taking on his runner-up Youtwo Glass again, however this time the latter is 5kg better off.

Hugo Merienne had initially considered running In Love in some big handicaps across the Channel but he wisely chose to stay at home. Third in the 2022 G.1 Prix Maurice Gillois, he requires little introduction. 

A close second to him three weeks ago, Daniela Mele is planning a campaign in the capital for her 7yo, since at Pau he would be carrying too much weight. At Auteuil, he races off level-weights with his recent vanquisher and, already a winner over fences here, he will be very much in focus.

Fourth that day, Marie Coastala is François Nicolle’s sole representative after Glorice was declared forfeit. Sixth at Pau, Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé’s Genesis As runs, as does stablemate Toscana Du Berlais who fell in the G.2 Georges Courtois in early-December.

G.3 Prix Morgex winner, Jazz Manouche takes on older horses for the first time but should nevertheless prove competitive. Supplemented, Imprenable won over Pau hurdles last month. Gallipoli and Ginja Des Taillons complete the field.