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Preview: Prix Renaud du Vivier.

The G1 Prix Renaud Du Vivier (3900m) is the Winter championship for four-year-old hurdlers. It is a race that has seen some high-class winners over the years including the likes of Ptit Zig, Blue Dragon, De Bon Coeur, Master Dino and L'Autonomie. We look at the contenders for this year's renewal…

Hurrick Des Obeaux

Hurrick Des Obeaux produced some exciting efforts prior to a summer break, winning the Listed Prix Miror at Auteuil over 3600m and placing second in the G3 Prix Questerabad over track and trip. He was a well-beaten seventh in the G3 Prix Pierre de Lassus tackling course and distance last time and would need to improve.

Transatlantic

A fairly new recruit to hurdling, Transatlantic demonstrated talent on the flat and won a Class Two conditions at Saint-Cloud over 2800m in May. On his reappearance run over obstacles, he made up late ground in a conditions race at Auteuil with a subsequent winner ahead in second. The colt was never involved when falling late on in a similar race subsequently and may need to step up to compete at Group level.

Martator

Martator was a useful second in the G1 Prix Alain du Breil - Course de Haies de Printemps des Quatre (3900m) prior to a summer break which was undoubtedly a career-best performance. Since the spell, he has placed in a Clairefontaine steeplechase and finished fourth in the G3 Prix Pierre de Lassus over course and distance. He is clearly capable on his best day but track record would be a concern (one placing from six attempts).

Theleme

Theleme was a very exciting three-year-old hurdler, winning the G1 Prix Cambaceres - Grande Course de Haies des 3 Ans (3600m) in November 2020. He was given a near-year long break subsequently and returned with a promising third in the G3 Prix de Maisons-Laffitte (3600m) behind Hermes Baie. The four-year-old filled the same spot in the G3 Prix Pierre de Lassus and can reverse the form third-up.

Hermes Baie

Hermes Baie is the stand-out performer in the field and aims to record a sixth consecutive victory. The four-year-old was a narrow winner in the G3 Prix Pierre de Lassus over course and distance which is the traditional trial for this race and he will be difficult to oppose with an unbeaten record in these conditions.

Colbert du Berlais

Colbert du Berlais commenced the new campaign with a comfortable two length win in the Listed Prix Guillaume de Pracomtal handicap hurdle at Auteuil over 3600m. He found the opposition too tough in the G3 Prix Pierre de Lassus subsequently and may fall short at the top level.