Plenty of rain forecast at Compiegne today which I think could have a big impact on their Defi Du Galop feature race at 3.20pm.

The Grand Prix de Compiegne is one of a series of middle distance Listed contests for older horses who are trapped between handicaps and Group races.

5/2 favourite Shafaaf has been in good form this year, including when beating subsequent Group Three winner Monty at Bordeaux last time.

Shafaaf is more effective on a faster surface though and I think his 3lb penalty makes this a tough ask, particularly against two potential Group horses.

3-1 Quest The Moon conceded 1kg to Shafaaf when they last met on a soft surface. He will be lethal if and when the heavens open this afternoon but his price isn’t much to write home about.

My weekend nap comes in this race. Caprice des Dieux is rated extremely highly by Nicolas Clement, who Race Sharp met in April (read more here). The Declaration of War gelding is effective in soft and was a big eye-catcher in behind today’s favourite at Bordeaux when completely blowing the start (not sure if it was intentional).

He’s in good form and won a Listed at this course last July by five lengths in similar conditions. It’s likely that Clement has had an eye on this race for some time and I think he’s a terrific price at 11/2.

3.20pm Compiegne – 2pt win Caprice des Dieux @ 11/2 (almost all firms, Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power are 6-1)

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