Considered the late-season Grand Steeple, the Prix la Haye Jousselin has nevertheless established itself as a prestigious prize in its own right and, while a number of big names are missing this year, the 5500m chase is still a cornerstone of France’s jumps calendar. In the absence of Rosario Baron, Gex, 2022 winner Figuero, or recent G.3 Prix Héros XII winner, Incollable, Sunday’s Grade 1 contest is one of the most open in years.

Crowned the King of Compiègne last season, Gran Diose’s schedule has since been centred around Auteuil and, while yet to win a black-type race in four starts this year, he ran a good 2nd in the Prix Héros XII on re-entry and will have come on for the run.

Despite Incollable’s forfeit, the Haras de Saint-Voir is still well-represented. Highest-rated in the field, Grandeur Nature ran second in last year’s edition and even though not having raced since his Prix Murat 3rd last April, his handler, Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, will have him ready. Running in the same colours, the sturdy Ho La la Forez most recently finished 3rd in the race of reference and, given how he progresses with each run, will not be far off the mark.

La Manigance has never had any joy at this level and did not run her race last time out, but has considerable class and warrants respect. The François Nicolle stable also sends out Le Lude, who has never been successful beyond Listed status. 

Echos De Champdoux and Grand Oncle are the two representatives of the Camille & Philippe Peltier stables and look more like place prospects.

Others will be viewed as outsiders, but anything can happen in this 2023 running.