There will be a party atmosphere at ParisLongchamp this evening as the ‘Jeuxdi’ night is sold out. By the 8th race at 9.20pm local time (8.20pm UK) some punters may be in need of a winner and I hope I have one in the shape of the Wertheimers’ gelding Duyfken.

Making his fourth career start at this course four weeks ago, Duyfken defied the newspaper tissue odds to be sent off joint-favourite at 11/4 for his handicap debut over 10 1/2 furlongs. After missing the break slightly he admittedly looked a little awkward when he tried to deliver his challenge, but he was crowded out and ultimately stood no chance as the other market leader Ghost Spirit was allowed to make all in a race that was 8 seconds slower than the Racing Post standard time.

Prior to that the rangy gelding (who may be a hurdling type one day, when he inevitably turns up at a HIT sale) was sent off favourite for a Nancy maiden. His homework can’t be terrible.

His weakness is clearly that he lacks gears and so I hope, with the cheekpieces retained, he appreciates a return to 12 furlongs today. His three siblings were all winners, two have black type and the other, Zoffanien, is a useful handicap hurdler in Ireland.

Arthur Mossé is great value for his 5lb claim and the pace could be injected from the Niarchos-owned Spell On You, who is drawn wide. Jaafar is respected at the head of the market but this will be his first Parisian outing – to date he’s raced exclusively on turning tracks.

At 14-1 I think Duyfken rates as the value bet this evening.

8.20pm ParisLongchamp – 1pt win Duyfken @ 14-1 (all firms)

 

DUYFKEN – BEST ODDS

William Hill

14-1

Quinnbet – Review

Fitzdares – Review

Odds correct at time of publication.