Top class jumps card at Auteuil

Today´s card at Auteuil is one of the best of the entire year, featuring two group one races. The Grand Steeple-chase de Paris over 5800 metres at 15.12 CET is the French equivalent of the Gold Cup, and is the second most valuable jumps race of the year in Europe (after the Grand National). There are 14 runners but the race should mainly concern the two previous winners Remember Rose (Jean-Paul Gallorini/ Christophe Pieux) and Princesse d´Anjou (Francois Cottin/ Philip Carberry). Both have been given a typical French preparation, so that their latest performances must not be taken too seriously, but at their best they should outclass this opposition. The Prix Ferdinand Dufaure at 16.35 is for 4yo chasers and all eyes will be on the promising Kauto Stone (Jean-Bertrand de Balanda/ Pieux), a half-brother to the champion British chaser Kauto Star. Another top event is the Prix la Barka, a hurdle race over 4300 metres at 17.45. There is a German runner here, Cornelia Schmock´ s S upervisor (Bertrand Bourez) but it will be a huge surprise if he can figure here, despite his winning run at home. More likely candidates are the two Irish runners Deutschland (Paul Townend) and Thousand Stars (Katie Walsh), both trained by Willie Mullins, whose father Paddy won this race in 1984 with the great Dawn Run, ridden by brother Tony. However last year´s winner Portal´s Toy (David Windrif/ Adam Kondrat) is probably the one to beat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Le Bazin - Bonnet Jaune - Rennais
2. Race: King Tune - Le Jonchet - Magic Mambo
3. Race: Remember Rose - Louping D`Ainay - Princesse D`Anjou
4. Race: Grand Charly - Twinlight - Tout Rouge
5. Race: Kauto Stone - Saint Du Chenet - Ole Companero
6. Race: Prince Oui Oui - Solix - Salder Roque
7. Race: Young Poli - Mandali - Grande Haya
8. Race: Elixir du Berlais - Presidentiable - Question De Chance
9. Race: Rhumerie - Titan War - Esprit de Loi