Principal racecourse of the southwest, and home to a host of important races in all disciplines, Toulouse stages one of its most valuable flat meetings this Sunday, with no fewer than three Listed events on the card.

High point of the afternoon is the Vase d’Argent, third stage of the coveted Défi du Galop series. For four year-olds and upwards, the circuit comprises 17 races, 14 run at French tracks and the remaining three at Avenches in Switzerland, San Sebastian in Spain, and Casablanca, Morocco. 

Wally, trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, won his comeback race at Chantilly with ease. Runner-up in the Gr.1 Prix d’Ispahan and twice a Gr.3 winner in 2022, the six year-old is a stretch superior to the opposition and will duly be sent off heavily supported. Already a winner this year, stablemate Mon Bel Canto is an obvious candidate for a spot on the podium. Other notables in the field include Say Good Buy, Watch Him, and Bosioh who was supplemented by trainer Nicolas Perret.

For three year-old fillies, the 2100m Prix Caravelle sees Olkovskha make her first appearance since running second in a Saint-Cloud Listed early last month and Sunday’s performance may dictate whether she will make use of her Gr.1 Prix Saint-Alary entry. Philippe Sogorb’s Cracksmania (similarly entered in the Saint-Alary, and Prix de Diane) finished a place behind her in Paris and looks the main threat. Rouget’s Coming France is an improving sort and is expected to generate interest.

The Prix Aymeri de Mauleon, a mile race for three year-olds, features the unbeaten Kovrov, another Rouget-trained runner with classic pretensions. He imposed with ease over course and distance a month back and is again expected to live up to his handler’s estimation. Grace Period and Kendly represent the principal opposition.