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Prix Hypothese Hurdle will take place at Auteuil for a distance of 3900m.
This Sunday, Auteuil stages the Prix Hypothèse Hurdle (G3) which is the second trial race for the Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil (G1) in June. Run over 3900m, the contest has attracted a very competitive field for the 2023 renewal. In a race that has been dominated by champion race-mare L'Autonomie in recent years, Il Est Francais is bidding to add a sixth straight hurdling success and establish himself as the leading hurdler in France. We look at the contenders for the race…
Theleme
Finished third in the race last year. Won both starts since a Summer break including Prix Serge Landon (G1) over course and distance ahead of Hermes Baie. Yet to face Il Est Francais and likely to be tough competition for him.
Hermes Baie
Very good horse in his own right but has been soundly defeated by Theleme and Il Est Francais on last three outings. Impressive course and distance winner in the Prix de Compiegne (G3) last September. Place contender.
Kyrov
Beaten 20L by Il Est Français when fourth in the Prix Renaud du Vivier (G1) last November. Since finished fifth in the Listed Grande Course de Haies de Pau and needs to find more to feature.
Il Est Français
Exciting young hurdler unbeaten in all five jumping starts. Good enough to place in Non-Pure-Bred Group company on the Flat (second in the G1 Prix Jacques de Vienne) and has proven hard to beat since switching disciplines. Last seen beating Kapteen and Hermes Baie by 1.5L when resuming in the Prix Juigne (G3) following a four-month break. Obvious winner.
Goa Lil
Useful hurdler. Winner of the Listed Prix Besancon at Compiegne in October. Finished fourth behind Il Est Francais in the Prix Juigne (G3) last start and would need to improve to go close.
Kapteen
Out-ran very long odds when second in the Prix Juigne (G3) behind Il Est Francais. Only beaten 1.5L which is the closest any horse has been able to run Il Est Francais to in his hurdling career so far. Would need to prove he can replicate that form as previous efforts suggest it was an out-of-character performance.
Folsom Prison
Thereabouts without placing in some of the top races recently including a fourth in the Prix Serge Landon (G1). Could sneak a place if others make mistakes.
Spirit of the Moon
Fifth in the Prix Juigne (G3) on last start which would not be good enough form to feature. Third in the Prix Renaud du Vivier (G1) behind Il Est Français at the end of last season. Needs to find more.
1. Il Est Francais
2. Theleme
3. Hermes Baie
