The third division of the 1m4f handicap (rated 15-20, so an equivalent top-weight in the UK of 44) is unsurprisingly a very modest affair, but it could pay to support Islandor on her second start back with Charles Gourdain.
She has won three of her 18 starts at the course (and finished in the first four on a further five occasions) and though winless for just over a year, that last success came off a 5kg higher mark over this trip at Lyon last November.
She had five runs for David Morisson this year, with no success, but there were positive signs when sixth over this trip at Lyon 18 days ago on her first start back with Gourdain.
This looks an even weaker race, the return to Pau is a positive and at the prices, she is worth chancing for the leading trainer at the course.
12.25pm Pau – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Islandor @ 12-1 (various)
The 4yo fillies’ hurdle (1.07pm) is restricted to those that have gained less than €10,000 over jumps to date, so there is little strength in depth. With that in mind, there is a bit of value in the price of Capucine Is Blue.
Her trainer Gaby Leenders has his Pau team in better form than most, which is encouraging for this return to action for the daughter of No Risk At All.
Her fast-finishing debut second at Lyon last March was decent form in the context of this race, and it was a considerably better race than this in which she finished sixth at Compiegne was last seen in April.
We’re taking fitness on trust, but this looks an excellent opportunity and hopefully she is ready to take advantage. At the 17/2 on offer, it is worth taking a chance on her fitness.
1.07pm Pau – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Capucine Is Blue @ 17/2 (various)
