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The opening claimer features Talap at the head of the market for the bang in-form Vermeulen-Guyon combo, but the recent second over 1m2f here in a similar contest is weak enough form and though he is an obvious contender, he is too short at odds-on, so I’m taking him on with Lexington Gold.

The selection won twice in handicap company during the summer, before finding Quinte company too hot on his next couple of starts. He has actually run well enough in a couple of handicaps since, including when in midfield on turf here last time off a mark of 33, form which entitles him to a big shout here at the weights.  He is in receipt of 4kg from the odds-on favourite, who is rated the same and didn’t run to any more than his mark when second here last time.

A winner on his only previous attempt at this trip, he is more than capable of landing this claimer and though he lacks consistency, that is more than factored into the price.

10.50am Cagnes – 1pt win Lexington Gold @ 8-1 (all firms)