Atamane faces stiff task at Auteuil

Atamane (Mario Hofer/ Xavier Hondier) ran some excellent races in the autumn of 2008 at Auteuil and can be regarded as the best German-trained N.H. performer, even though he missed all of 2009. He was well-beaten when he made his recent comeback at Auteuil in the Prix Juigne and now returns there for the Group Three Prix Hypothese at 15.40, where he again meets no fewer than 8 of his opponents from the Juigne, including the very easy winner Questarabad (Marc Rolland/ Regis Shmidlin). Qusarabad can be regarded as the best hurdler in France, and although he has to concede weight all round here, he looks very hard to beat. Atamane should run much better this time, but will do well to finish in the first 3, although he will be well suited by the heavy ground.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bleu Et Rose - Lavircade - Cadikos
2. Race: Satou - Katenko - Sir Gallo
3. Race: Saint Du Chenet - Allen Voran - Ole Companero
4. Race: Vicbilh - Dulce Leo - Seventy Heart
5. Race: Questarabad - Vitray - Shinco Du Berlais
6. Race: Oeil pour Oeil - Chope Royale - Quocotiep
7. Race: Our Prince - Tremblay - Louchebem
8. Race: Zaiyad - Synaptique - Rhumerie