The claimer at Lyon (11.20am) is a really moderate affair, as one would expect with 8-12K claiming tags, but there is a bit of value in the price of Malaaw.
The six year old’s last win came here in 2019 and he ran well in two handicaps here off marks of 31.5 in June this year. Down the field on unsuitably soft ground at Vichy on his penultimate start, he bounced back to form when third at Clairefontaine three weeks ago.
He has conditions in his favour and the booking of Mickael Barzalona, who is eight behind Maxime Guyon in the jockeys’ championship, is a notable one. Gerald Geisler has a poor strike-rate this year, but his small team are in good form at present, with his last four runners reaching the frame, including a winner in these colours at Le Croise-Laroche yesterday.
11.20am Lyon – 1pt win Malaaw @ 4-1 (all firms)
An interesting class 2 conditions contest (12.25pm) features a couple of in-form three year olds at the head of the market in Rock Joyeux and Abraaj. However, both could struggle against the only filly in the field, Saboor, if she can bounce back following a couple of quiet efforts.
The Mario Baratti-trained filly had some smart form in the spring, placing in better contests than this, notably when runner-up to subsequent Grade 1 Saratoga Derby runner-up Soldier Rising at Chantilly.
Fourth in Listed company at Longchamp in May, she has been below that form at Listed/Group level in two subsequent starts, but those have coincided with a very quiet spell for the yard. Back from six weeks off and with the Baratti team now in excellent nick (four winners from their last six runners), she is worth chancing.
12.25pm Lyon – 1pt win Saboor @ 100/30 (William Hill, Bet Victor, 3s elsewhere)
