The most coveted spring prize for 4 year-old chasers, the G.1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure will be staged on 19 May, and Sunday’s G.3 Prix Fleuret is another important step on the road to the big prize. Run over the same course and distance, this weekend’s race will be closely scrutinised.

Simultaneously surprising and impressive three weeks ago over 3500m in the G.3 Prix Duc d’Anjou, Karré D’As will be very much in focus even though she faces a distance neither she nor most of her adversaries have yet to tackle. That being said, her dam registered a number of cross-country wins over extended trips, so staying should not be an issue.

Runner-up in the Duc d’Anjou, Daniela Mele sends out Chanteur Du Bourg. A powerful individual, blessed with a rangey action, he will benefit from this longer trip but, more importantly, will be 2kg better off than when he and Karré D’As last met.

The returning Kilomètre Illimité has raced just four times, not once at Auteuil, but the way he won his last race makes one think that he has serious potential. He is top-weight though, at 68kg.

Listed hurdles winner last year, Kentucky Wood finished 7-lengths 4th to David Cottin’s charge on his chasing debut three weeks ago. He will have come on though and could well ruffle a few feathers.

Boom Boom Ciao, who went down mid-race in the Duc d’Anjou, has won a Class 2 chase and while not as capable as some others here, the Seror stable is flying, and should not be ruled out.

The Papot family’s Kroisade made short work of her chasing debut two weeks ago. She has talent in spades and it would be no surprise if she got her nose in front.