The 1m4f class 2 at Mont de Marsan (11.45am) is far from the strongest race for the grade and I’m not convinced about the strength of the recent winning form of the likes of favourite Dakini (who nevertheless deserves consideration) and Mamluk.  In contrast, Cape Cod was fifth in a good class 2 last time and he makes plenty of appeal.

He made a winning debut over this trip on soft ground at Clairefontaine in July in a newcomers’ race, pulling well clear with the runner-up (who has shown fair form since) of a modest field.  Stepped up to class 2 company over 1m3f next time, he found himself a long way back on the home bend, but finished to really good effect to claim fifth.  The third has since improved to win a Group 2 in Germany and runner-up Diverge is a really solid yardstick for the grade.

The return to this trip will help, the overnight rain should ensure the ground is on the soft side of good, and there’s every reason to expect another step forward from Antoine de Watrigant’s three year old.  The trainer knows the family very well and has trained two siblings to gain black type, while his team have been going consistently well this term.

11.45am Mont de Marsan – 1pt win Cape Cod @ 5-1 (all firms, except 11/2 available with Skybet)