Our bet at Compiegne today is in the concluding handicap hurdle (2.52pm), with Konig Gold a really interesting outsider on his first start in over a year.

The six year old has only made it to the track five times, winning on his debut just over two years ago, beating the talented Laskalin.  Two subsequent seconds, including to another useful performer in Exupery, show that he had a good level of ability at that stage of his career.

He has only been seen once since February 2020, when third in a chase in the provinces last September.  However, the switch from the now-retired Richard Chatel, who struggled in his final season with a licence, to Gaetan Taupin is a notable one.  Taupin is 13-67 this year and has a very good record with horses returning from a layoff.

The first-time hood is not a negative (several from the yard have worn one when winning this year) and the booking of Felix de Giles is an obvious plus.

2.52pm Compiegne – 1pt win Konig Gold @ 18-1 (most firms, though 20-1 available in places)