Two bets on the morning card at Toulouse, starting with Buzzing in the Class 1 (10.20am).

The Christophe Ferland-trained son of Iffraaj readily accounted for a weak field on his debut at Pau at the end of January, but there was plenty to like about the manner in which he did it.

He followed up in class 2 company the following month, again on the AW, winning the race with a decisive move in the home straight, but shaping as if the mile stretched him in better company, as one might expect on pedigree.  He was very prominent in the betting for a Listed contest on very soft ground at Saint-Cloud last time, but couldn’t get near the front after a slow start and never figured behind his slightly lesser-fancied stablemate.

The fact he was declared in a Listed here late last month (withdrawn with a vet cert) suggests Ferland retains plenty of confidence in his ability, he has a strong page (his dam was a Listed winner and is a half-sister to two 7f Listed winners) and being by Iffraaj, the slightly better ground should suit.

I’m happy to take on the favourite and while O Trasno is a danger (and will almost certainly make the running), I’m yet to be convinced that his sire’s progeny (which looked particularly precocious last term) are really training on.

1pt win Buzzing @ 17/2 (William Hill, Unibet, Betfred, 8-1 elsewhere)

 

Later on the card, I like the look of Not A Lady in the mile handicap (11.50am).

He ran a nice race at Bordeaux last time, after two down-the-field runs in much higher-class handicaps.  He has a good record here (he won a mile handicap here at this time last year) and has a much better record when in the bottom grade – his handicap record when carrying 59+ kilos reads really well, finishing in the first three on five of seven starts, including a first and second here.

His yard doesn’t get many winners, but they did have won score at La Teste on Thursday, which is a little boost to our chances.  I’m surprised he is so big this morning and he is well worth supporting.

11.50am – 1pt each-way Not A Lady @ 11-1 (all firms, though 12-1 available with Paddy Power and Betfair)