IT would be a surprise if Vezelay was not in the line up for the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil next May judging by the way he captured the Grade 2 Prix Georges Courtois.

Ridden by the experienced Jacques Ricou, the five-year-old son of Dom Alco dominated the situation on the flat after jumping the last. He was winning his fourth race on the trot at Auteuil and apart from one fall, the gelding has never been out of the first four in 16 races. Emmanuel Clayeux has been wrapping Vezelay up in cotton wool a little and only now has he been given the chance to show his qualities in top events.