AUTEUIL stages a nine-race card worth €627,000 today, featuring three listed contests, and an intriguing runner for the Willie Mullins stable. A Closutton contender always warrants respect, and this one is presumably held in some regard by connections, to earn the name Dead Cert.

Rachael Blackmore is booked to partner the Patrick Mullins-owned colt, who was bred by Jackie Mullins in France. By No Risk At All and out of an own-sister to Protektorat, the three-year-old faces 14 rivals in the Prix Rush.

It’s a race that has produced a number of classy performers in the past. Last year’s winner, Nietsche Has, went on to win two graded races and place in a Grade 1. The third horse, Mambonumberfive, later sold to Ben Pauling and won a Grade 2 last time out.

The first three home in the 2023 running have all since retired to stud, led by the winner and subsequent Grade 1 scorer, Jigme. Other Grade 1 winners to have begun their career in the Prix Rush include Goliath Du Berlais, Losange Blue, Monmiral and Pic d’Orhy.

A three-year-old conditions race worth €28,520 to the winner, the mile-and-seven-furlong hurdle is open to unraced colts and geldings. Among the well-bred prospects entered is Volcana Du Berlais, a Nathaniel half-brother to Nirvana Du Berlais and Aubusson.