The Prix Royal Junior has changed from a conditions race to a handicap this year and though favourite Golden Son looks tough to beat, at the prices it is worth chancing Primco on his return to hurdling.
He was claimed for €30K after winning on very soft ground at Compiegne in April (Brainstorm back in third, went on to win in claiming company next time and re-opposes today). He made his debut for David Cottin at Clairefontaine in early July in what was a really competitive conditions contest and finished last of the five, but there was a lot of promise to be gleaned from his subsequent third over fences at the same course last time. Kevin Nabet was looking down as if something was amiss on the home turn and he looked more likely to be pulled up than place, but when asked for an effort he sprinted from the last to the line, claiming third close home.
He never really looked at ease that day and though he hasn’t run at Auteuil before, it should suit him ideally – both half-brothers were black-type performers here as well. He is proven on very soft ground and does still look a work in progress, and one open to improvement on just his third run for this yard. Interestingly, his dam won a Listed contest here, with Cottin on board, eight years ago tomorrow!
12.45pm Auteuil – 1pt win Primco @ 9-1 (Paddy Power, Betfair, 17/2 elsewhere)
