Crystal Beach makes Grand Steeple-Chase statement with Murat win

Crystal Beach marked himself down as being among the favourites for next month's Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris when holding off Le Costaud at Auteuil under a fine ride from Ludovic Philipperon.

After waiting towards the rear throughout a slowly run first circuit, Philipperon took over from reluctant leader Milord Thomas and stretched his five rivals down the back while keeping enough in reserve to gallop all the way to the line.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old showed his wellbeing when chasing home the mighty De Bon Coeur over hurdles on his comeback and now looks a serious player for veteran trainer Marcel Rolland and his English owner Jim Gordon.

Crystal Beach and Ludovic Philliperon return after winning the Prix MuratCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

"He was up against horses with more chasing experience but he is a good jumper and did that well," said Rolland, who famously missed Mandarino winning the Grand Steep' 20 years ago when getting stranded in an Auteuil lift.

"The last ten winners of the Grand Steep' have won the Prix Ingre so that's where we'll go next. I've got only 25 horses in the yard so to come across a pearl like him is a great pleasure. I have to thank Mr Gordon for continuing to support me."

Gordon's blue and orange silks are a regular sight at Auteuil and the owner added: "My first horses in France were with Marcel, 20 years ago, so this is marvellous. I've been very lucky and it's also credit to Bertrand [Le Metayer], who buys the horses. We knew he was well because not many horses get close to De Bon Coeur and it's a wonderful day."

Guillaume Macaire expressed himself happy with Le Costaud's performance and also pointed towards the Prix Ingre on April 27, while Bipolaire ran on well for third and remains very much in the picture for the Grand Steeple-Chase, which he will go directly to without another race.

"He is better over further and they went no pace so that was fine in the circumstances," said trainer Francois Nicolle.

Carberry thrilled with the good Docteur

Louisa Carberry (second left) and Felix de Gilles teamed up for success at Auteuil with the talented Docteur De BallonCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Docteur De Ballon spoiled the comeback party for the long-absent Blue Dragon when coming from well back to snatch the Listed Prix Jean Granel over hurdles.

A talented chaser who made it to the track only once in 2018, when finishing second in the Prix Troytown, Docteur De Ballon was winning under a first-time ride from Felix De Giles.

"I just hope he's okay tomorrow because he gives so much of himself in his races but he's just a very good horse," said trainer Louisa Carberry.

"We knew there would be pace on and so holding him up seemed sensible and he finished so well. He has a lot of class and you don't have to get after him too early."

After such a stop-start career with Docteur De Ballon, Carberry could be forgiven for not looking too far ahead but a return to chasing and taking on the Grand Steeple-Chase principals in the Prix Ingre could be next.

Get exclusive insight from the track and live tipping with Raceday Live - our up-to-the-minute service on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app