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Preview: Auteuil.
Auteuil hosts an exciting fixture of Listed and Group action on Sunday including the G3 Troytown Steeplechase (4400m) and the G3 Prix d'Indy Hurdle (3600m). We preview the competitive card...
Named after the 1919 Grand Steeplechase de Paris winner Troytown, the G3 Prix Troytown (4400m) is a test of stamina and represents an ideal preparation race for Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris hopefuls. G1 Prix La Haye Jousselin (5500m) winner Poly Grandchamp makes his 2022 debut and is a consistent performer at the top level. He may need the first run back after a break but sets the form standard. Dream Wish could be an interesting prospect returning to a Group Three. The six-year-old was well-beaten into fourth over course and distance in the G2 Prix Georges Courtois (4400m) however should be respected in an easier contest. Pacha Senam placed third in the aforementioned G2 Prix Georges Courtois (4400m) and retains a respectable record over track and trip with four placings from five attempts. Five-year-old Sel Jem was defeated a nose in the G1 Prix Maurice Gillois - Grand Steeplechase des 4 Ans over course and distance in November. He could be an exciting horse for the future.
The G3 Prix d'Indy (3600m) has attracted a small but select field of four-year-olds. Francois Nicolle is doubly represented (at time of writing) by Kyrov and Golden Son. Kyrov has won five of his six career starts and produced a peak performance when taking the G1 Prix Cambaceres - Grande Course de Haies des 3 Ans over track and trip in November by nine lengths. He will be difficult to beat if retaining that level of form. Golden Son finished second in the same race which marks these two horses as the best of their generation. Of the remainder, Norville shapes as a possible improving horse. He has won his last two hurdle outings including the Listed Prix Andre Massena Grande Course de Haies des 4 Ans (3500m) at Cagnes-sur-Mer by an eye-catching nine lengths.
The two Group Three races on the card are supported by the Listed Prix Predicateur (3900m) handicap hurdle where a large and competitive field will compete for a 95,000 euro prize.