The opening Quinte handicap is far from the strongest of races for the money on offer and with Sagano a non-runner this morning, 41-rated Ficelle Du Houley is the only one of these above 36.5 and the top weight looks the one to beat today.
He finished third in a stronger handicap over 1900m on the AW here last time, having previously finished a staying-on fifth at ParisLongchamp in another Quinte, having to wait for his run but staying on nicely.
He should be spot on now following three starts back from a break and his record on turf here reads 142 (all three runs over this trip), so there is plenty in his favour. There is no doubt he has the ability to win off his mark and if he gets the breaks, he should prove difficult to beat today.
12.50pm Deauville – 1pt win Ficelle Du Houley @ 4-1 (Paddy Power, Betfair, Bet365, 7/2 elsewhere)
Though no model of consistency, Innis does know how to win, having scored on four of his 18 starts in his native Germany and a fair case can be made for him at double-figure odds today (4.55pm).
The six year old had raced exclusively in Germany prior to starting off in France in May and needed three runs to qualify for a mark. He hasn’t covered himself in glory in two subsequent outings, but is down to the equivalent of his German mark now, which he won off at this time last year. The booking of Stephane Pasquier (3231 for the yard since April) also suggests connections mean business.
Innis gets his ground today and this looks a weak race, so he is worth chancing at the prices.
4.55pm Deauville – 1pt win Innis @ 10-1 (all firms)
