Daniela Mele has had a fine first half of the year at Auteuil and has frequently been the yard to follow in handicaps here, with five winners, two seconds and a third from their 14 runners in handicaps at the course this term.

Harpon D’Oudairies beat a useful stablemate on his chasing debut at Segre last autumn (Rosario Baron, since third in Gr.3 company here) and was made favourite for a race here in November, only to fall at the ‘gros open-ditch’.  He closed out last season with a third to the classy, recent Grade 2 winner Hacienda.

A really liked the way he went through the race when runner-up at Compiegne on his only start so far this year, in early May, and the return to this trip should suit.  The least exposed in this field, his mark of 57.5 looks very workable and hopefully he can go one better today.

RECOMMENDED BET: 2.50pm Auteuil – Harpon D’Doudairies @ 9/2 (all firms)