The form on offer in the 1m4f maiden at Craon is nothing special at all and at this morning’s prices, it is well worth taking a chance on the Daniela Mele-trained newcomer In Excelsis Dio.

Mele has had plenty of success with progeny of Saddex (who was purchased as a stallion a few years back by her main supporter Guy Cherel), including two winners in similar contests last month, one of them on debut.

It is a strong page – the dam, Gratia Plena, was a Listed winner over hurdles around Auteuil, and she has two black-type siblings as well.

Mele has had an exceptional 2021 in what is her third year with a licence, with 67 winners at a 16% strike-rate.  When focusing on her flat runners (the majority of them coming in bumpers or 1m4f+ maidens), she has had 27 winners from 84 runners, a strike-rate of 32%.

Given his pedigree and the continued good form of the yard, the 9-1 on offer makes plenty of appeal.

10.20am Craon – 1pt win In Excelsis Dio @ 9-1 (William Hill, Coral, Ladbrokes, 17/2 elsewhere)