The 3900m Prix Renaud du Vivier, second and final Grade 1 for 4 year-old hurdlers, will be run on Sunday at its established home of Auteuil, and has attracted quite the field.

Runner-up in the G.1 Prix Alain du Breil, Losange Bleu put in a less than inspiring performance on his return to competition following the summer break. This was put down in part to his first association with Johnny Charron who took over from regular partner, Jérémy Da Silva, who hung up his boots during after the spring. He set the record straight though in the last prep race, the G.3 Prix Pierre de Lassus, earlier this month, imposing by 11 lengths. Highest-rated horse in the field, Dominique Bressou’s gelding will be the people’s favourite.

Second highest-rated horse, Whymper missed out on his hat-trick when second in the Pierre de Lassus. In receipt of just 1kg that day, he races off level weights this time and, while extremely unlikely to make up an 11-lengths’ gap, he is still eminently capable of finishing on the podium. Japon ran fourth to him in the G.3 Prix de Maisons-Laffitte and, although clearly a promising hurdler, his lack of experience may be his Achilles heel.

Unlucky over fences last Saturday, Garde De Burge will endeavour to get back in the game and the yard’s form will do him no disservice. Carlton Du Berlais is in search of redemption, while Listed winner, Libeccio, should not be far off the mark. July Flower is one to watch with interest.