National Velvet hasn’t been at her best of late, but there have been excuses the last twice and the Jerome Reynier-trained filly looks fairly treated for this return to turf today.

She was a dual winner last year, including on heavy ground at Compiegne in September off today’s mark of 29.  The second in a Mont-de-Marsan claimer over this trip in February was encouraging, and she has her ideal conditions today.

Having been apprentice-ridden the last twice, she has the assistance of Eddy Hardouin this afternoon, who was on board when National Velvet finished runner-up in a competitive Chantilly handicap last July.

Jerome Reynier continues in excellent form and National Velvet looks capable of playing a big role today.

RECOMMENDED BET: 4.20pm Bordeaux – National Velvet ew @ 9-1 (all firms)

  

In the 7f handicap, I think Mohawk Warrior is a little too big at 12-1 and is worth chancing.

He ran poorly at La Teste in March, but has run well on both starts either side of that, and he travelled very kindly last time, dropped back to 6.5f from a mile.

He might not be the most straightforward of individuals, but the booking of Gerald Mosse is a positive and he has the ability to figure off this mark of 34.

RECOMMENDED BET: 4.55pm Bordeaux – Mohawk Warrior ew @ 12-1 (all firms)