The claiming hurdle at Pau is another weak contest – it has been a particularly uncompetitive division so far this year – and Top Prince could go very well at a nice price.
The David Henderson-trained six year old was in good form last spring, finishing second in handicap company at Angers before shedding his maiden tag at Angouleme next time.
He was below that form on his next run in May, and again on reappearance when pulled up at Pau in December, but that was his first run for over seven months and he duly took a good step forwards when third here over 2m1.5f here last time.
The return to this trip looks sure to suit and after two runs back from the break, he should be spot on for today’s contest. He is better off with Mon Prestige on their running here last time, when only beaten 2.5L by that rival, yet the latter is a short price today.
11.05am Pau – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Top Prince @ 9-1 (Paddy Power, Betfair, 10-1 with Bet365, 17/2 elsewhere)
Hot Summer was put up in this column just over a week ago and finished second, though the winner Tag had been taken out of the market as a non-runner at the time he was tipped!
He has been found a weak contest today and though he has a bit to find at the weights, there is nothing of Tag’s calibre here and the 5-1 on offer looks generous.
12.40pm Pau – 1pt win Hot Summer @ 5-1 (all firms)
