A couple of Listed races at Craon today and at the prices, I like the look of the improving Menilles in the two-year-old contest (12.05pm).

The daughter of Recorder looked in need of the experience when fourth on debut at La Teste in July, but looked much more professional when winning there on her second start upped to this trip.  She settled really well that day, looked to be travelling all over her rivals entering the straight, and picked up well to score with plenty in hand.

That form is nothing to write home about and this is considerably more competitive, but the manner of victory suggested she could hold her own at a higher level and it is encouraging that her excellent trainer feels she merits stepping up to this level.  Christophe Ferland has his team, and in particular his juveniles, in tremendous form at present.

A first foal, Menilles is out of a half-sister to this year’s French Derby third Millebosc, and their dam was a dual Listed winner over this trip, also finishing in the frame at Group 2 and Group 3 level, so she boasts a pedigree that suggests there could be plenty more to come.  In what looks an average contest for the grade, she is worth supporting.

12.05pm Craon – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Menilles @ 9-1 (various)