Montayral among 16 in Grand Steeple

Irish trainer Pat Hughes still has Montayral in Sunday’s Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil at today’s latest declaration stage.

The horse was a two-length third to Puntal in the Betfred Gold Cup last time out in the race which is known as the French Gold Cup.

Batman Senora was also one of 16 left in the declarations.

The Ian Williams-trained gelding limbered up for the €540,000 showpiece with a win over hurdles in the Prix Jean Granel at Auteuil three weeks ago.

The eight-year-old was second behind runaway winner Line Marine in the Grand Steeple 12 months ago and returned to Auteuil last winter to lift the Prix La Haye Jousselin.

Local star Kotkijet, the winner three years ago, will start a warm favourite after impressing in his build-up.

Trainer Jean-Paul Gallorini reported Kotkijet in fine fettle.

“The work’s done, now it’s up to the jockey to do his,” said the trainer from his Maisons-Laffitte base.

“As I’ve said on numerous occasions, Kotkijet is the horse of the Grand Steeple. All his preparation has been aimed at him once again being crowned champion on Sunday.”

Willie Mullins accounts for three of the 10 left in the Prix La Barka on the same card – Sadlers Wings, Joueur D’Estruval and Rule Supreme.