Mathieu Pitart did us a favour last week with one having its second run of the Cagnes meeting (25-1 scorer Falbala Le Dun) and I’m backing another of his team today, Illogique d’Ainay.

The son of Montmartre was an eye-catcher on his debut in a bumper in the provinces in November, finishing really well having been held up in last.

I liked the way he went through the race on his hurdling bow here at Cagnes at the beginning of the month, travelling well and hurdling fluently.  He was unable to pick up when the pace quickened, but the yard’s representatives tend to improve for a debut run and he wasn’t knocked about.

The slightly softer ground should suit, and there’s plenty on pedigree to suggest he could well have more to offer in time, being a half-brother to Elixir d’Ainay, who was running a big race when falling two out in the Supreme last year, while the dam is a half-sister to high-class French chaser Louping d’Ainay.  It’s also very encouraging to see Felix de Giles booked again – he has an excellent record for the yard.

There are a couple with stronger form claims, but this isn’t a strong contest by any means and our selection looks overpriced at 20-1.

2.00pm Cagnes – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Illogique d’Ainay @ 20-1 (all firms)