Racing returns to ParisLongchamp this Sunday, 7 April, and it gets the season under way with a fine programme comprising the Gr.2 Prix d’Harcourt, a pair of Gr.3’s restricted to 3 year-olds, and a Listed race for 4+ fillies and mares. Also scheduled are two 2100m events for untried 3 year-olds which promise to include some up-and-coming talents.

Open to 4+ and run over 2000m, the Harcourt itself tends to attract some of the best older French horses and this season’s edition is no exception.

Put away after his gruelling Arc run, 2023 Grand Prix de Paris winner, Feed The Flame has had time to come on over the winter and returns to a track he adores, but over ground he may find too heavy.

Disappointing on his return to competition, Horizon Doré is still on course for a tilt at the Prix Ganay, bearing in mind that he was beaten in his first two of 2023 before enjoying a remarkable summer. Marvin Grandin gets the ride.

Twice a Listed winner last season, Zarakem has not raced since Arc weekend and, while no fan of heavy ground, Jérôme Reynier has left him in, meaning he considers his colt a viable contender.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, Godolphin’s Military Order won a Gr.3 on the Southwell fibresand in late-February and will require no period of adjustment, in contrast to their second runner, André Fabre’s Gr.2-placed Birr Castle who has been off since late-October.

Surprise second in the Prix Exbury, Gryphon will again have the ground he likes and is not out of the running for a spot in the money.

Mansour, making just his second appearance in the capital, won a Baden-Baden Gr.3 last August but appears to be nothing more than a secondary chance.