The early prices on offer have gone, but I still think there is a bit of value in Saint Anjou, who has lots in his favour in the opening Quinte handicap hurdle at Compiegne today (12.50pm).
The Laurent Viel-trained nine year old was better than ever during a busy campaign last term, finishing in the frame in three consecutive Listed handicap hurdles, before gaining a deserved success in this race last year, the last time Johnny Charron was on board. That win, on similarly heavy ground, came at the expense of the rapid improver Foudre Delta, who won next time and has since placed at Graded level, so it was strong form.
In contrast to the last couple of seasons, when he has run throughout the spring/summer, Saint Anjou was given a break after Cagnes and has just looked in need of a couple of runs since returning, though it was encouraging to see him go well for a long way at Clairefontaine two starts back.
The return here is a big plus – he also finished a head second in this race in 2019 and has won 3-3 over fences here as well, so it’s fair to say the course suits him well. The yard are going well and though they need a change of fortune (7 seconds and two thirds from their last 14 runners), Saint Anjou could well provide that today, with this surely having been the plan for some time.
12.50pm Compiegne – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Saint Anjou @ 10-1 (Bet Victor, Mansionbet, 12-1 available with Bet365, 9-1 elsewhere)
