Henri-Francois Devin had a two year old win on debut at Saint-Malo yesterday and hopefully he can have another juvenile winner at Vichy today, with Sayyal a bet on his second career start.

The son of Shalaa made his debut in what looked a smart newcomers’ race at Chantilly earlier this month.  Settled in rear, he made a nice move on the outside in the straight and looked like playing a part in the finish, only for his effort to flatten out a little late on.  The pedigrees on display that day would suggest the form should work out well and it certainly looked a deeper race than the one in which today’s favourite Barney’s Gift finished third at Compiegne.

Sayyal’s pedigree offers plenty of encouragement, as he is a half-brother to Stormy Antarctic, who was runner-up on four occasions at Group 1 level, including over this trip as a two year old in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.

8.15pm Vichy – 2pts win Sayyal @ 3-1 (William Hill, 11/4 elsewhere)