Auteuil today

N.H. racing is in the spotlight in France today, with the valuable Prix du President de la Republique at 14.45 CET the main feature of a good card at Auteuil. Regarded as the French equivalent of the Grand National- though over a much shorter distance- this is a handicap chase over 4700 metres. With 20 runners it is very open; Francois Marie Cottin saddles three, with Philip Carberry on the consistent Peldero in the black and orange Seneschal colours. Main supporting event is the listed Prix Jean Grenel at 16.50, a hurdle race over 3900 metres, in which German challenger Atamane (Mario Hofer/ Xavier Hondier) should be good enough to finish in the money.