Desmond Stoneham

TROTTING becomes the main attraction in France after tomorrow’s interesting meeting at Auteuil where Peterjon Carberry rides Docteur De Ballon for his sister-in-law Louisa in the Grade 2 Prix Georges Courtois.

The five-year-old is unbeaten in three chases this season and was an 18-length winner over the course and distance of a listed race earlier in the month. But the €108,000 Georges Courtois is a big step up in class and he will come up against Milord Thomas. This super consistent jumper won the Grade 1 Prix La Haye Jousselin last year and was runner-up in the same race just three weeks ago. The chance of Roi Mage should also be respected. He has his confidence boosted by a couple of runs over hurdles before a second in a listed race at this track.

Devise will be a very warm favourite for the Grade 2 Prix Leon Olry-Roederer hurdle. After an epic battle in the Grand Prix d’Automne, he went down by a short-neck to his old rival Alex de Larredya with Galop Marin, Curly Bac and Capivari many lengths away in the minor places. Device looks in a class of his own and only a fall can keep him out of the winner’s enclosure. Crack De Reve is an interesting outsider.

Guillaume Macaire may well train the first three past the post in the Prix Morgex four-year-old chase. He fields On The Go, Edward d’Argent and Full Glass but this feat could be thwarted by his near neighbour Francois Nicolle who is responsible for four runners. The clue to this event could be the Grade 1 Prix Maurice Gillois. On The Go came out best that day beating Edward d’Argent, Srelighonn and Dalia Grandchamp so another battle royal is on the cards. Cork-based Ballantines Racing Stud run Titi De Montmartre is the Grade 3 Prix Andre Michel and the filly has an each-way chance of finishing in the money. A year ago, she won a similar race beating A Mi Manera who is owned by Jean-Claude Rouget. His filly has hit form recently and was a 10-length winner of a listed chase at Compiegne. D’Entree De Jeu started the season in terrific form and a return to earlier performances would put her in with a chance.

Roxinella will be one of the favourites having landed a hat-trick last time out but this is her first outing in grade company. D’vina was third in a Grade 1 race two weeks ago.

AUTEUIL - SUNDAY

Prix Georges Courtois

Selection: MILORD THOMAS

Next best: Docteur de Ballon

Prix Leon Olry-Roederer

Selection: DEVICE

Next best: Galop Marin

Prix Morgex

Selection: EDWARD D’ARGENT

Next best: On The Go

Prix Andre Michel

Selection: D’ENTREE DE JEU

Next best: D’vina