Paris’s famous Auteuil Racecourse sets the stage for a thrilling afternoon of jump racing on 23 September 2025. This Auteuil horse racing preview covers all eight races on the card, including a Group 3 feature and several handicaps that promise competitive finishes. With eight contests spread across the day, the racing rhythm moves from open claimers to high-class staying handicaps.
Early Claimers Begin the Card
The opening claimer, the Prix de Thonon (12:00), kicks off proceedings over 3600m with a €25,000 purse. Super Bend, partnered by Clément Guitraud for trainer L. Baudron, faces seasoned challengers Eliot Duance and Prince de Grez. The mare Lacrima also brings an intriguing profile under Quentin Samaria. Supporting names like Breeze d’Auteuil and Cocotte Royale ensure a wide-open start.
The second claimer, Prix de Gien (12:35), maintains the tempo with Nuit de L’Homme for M. Pitart, So Risky under Joël Phélippe, and L’Enchante with Quentin Samaria in the mix. This €25,000 race feels like a stepping stone for progressive claimers eyeing autumn campaigns.
Rising Talent in the Conditionals
The Prix Kargal (13:10), worth €55,000, introduces conditional runners. Koffi Komet, trained by Lageneste & Macaire, is the likely benchmark, while Ze Weekend and Dimorphos offer strong challenges. Volcana du Berlais, under Pierre Dubourg, has local form to boost her claims with supporting contenders like Santander and Duc de Roche.
Handicap Drama Before the Feature
The Prix Calabrais (13:55) injects handicap excitement with €98,000 at stake over 3600m. Ocre, under Bertrand Lestrade, brings proven ability, but Gino’s Line and Luzeraise line up as dangerous rivals. Star de la Blairie adds further intrigue. The weight spread makes this handicap one of the afternoon’s trickiest betting puzzles.
The Group 3 Prix The Fellow Headlines
The jewel of the card, the Prix The Fellow – Marquise de Moratalla Chase (Group 3) will run at 13:30, not 14:30. It is open to 4-year-olds, over approximately 2 miles 5 furlongs 192 yards (≈ 4400m), with €55,752 in prize money and 11 declared runners. Lanivtsi, guided by Gabin Meunier for D. Bressou, meets Hacker du Berlais and Lovely Gino from the ever-dangerous Chaille-Chaille & Parmant stable. Le Carignan and Kirakine add further depth. A strong supporting cast including Olympic Story and Martha Cannary means the feature is set to test stamina and jumping class.
Late Afternoon Claimer
Post-feature, the action returns with the Prix Amati (15:05), a €25,000 claimer over 3500m. Saharienne for Mme M. Pineda and Maia Kelle from the Chaille-Chaille yard lead the betting interest, but Sound Traou Land and Royal Mallorca are dark horses. It’s a contest where lesser-known stables could spring surprises.
Endurance Tests in the Handicaps
The staying handicaps dominate the evening session. The Prix Mandarin (15:40) is a €69,000 limited handicap over 4400m. Kap Lord and Kelibia top the weights, while Funky de la Barre and The Must provide fresh opposition. With the likes of Khapta and Shinco du Ficheau lurking, this promises an attritional test of stamina.
The closing contest, Prix Violon II (16:15), offers €105,000 over the same 4400m trip. Benou, under Ludovic Philipperon, and Jachar for N. George & A. Zetterholm will be popular choices. Caligramme and Kalibre add further intrigue, while King Pineau and Henri Quatre stand ready to disrupt predictions. It’s a fitting crescendo to a marathon afternoon at Auteuil.
This Auteuil horse racing preview underlines a card that blends seasoned handicappers with Group 3 class. The feature Prix The Fellow should dominate headlines, but handicaps like the Prix Calabrais and Prix Violon II carry equal narrative weight. Fans of French jump racing can expect a balanced mix of tactical battles and endurance tests.
For more insights into French jump racing, explore our France Galop previews and recent Prix meetings coverage on RaceBuzz.
