An early start in the provinces this weekend – the first race at Mont De Marsan was off at 8.30am local time!
There are two races for races on the card for Anglo Arab horses and half the entries for those are supplied by either Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte or Christelle Courtade.
In the first contest at 9.05am UK, I think the market is correct in that the strongest form for this division is represented by Furieuse, priced at 11/2 for the former and Haldawyssa, the 11/8 favourite trained by Courtade.
The two have met on each of their respective three lifetime starts and the score currently stands at 2-1 in favour of Haldawyssa.
I think the value firmly lies with Furieuse today, in that they are obviously closely matched, but the selection has demonstrated a brilliant turn of foot, both on debut and last time at Toulouse, where she was finishing best of them all in a race that was won from the front.
Furieuse escapes a third 1kg penalty on earnings narrowly by just €500 today and as a result she is 1kg better off with the favourite for a 1 length defeat. Her regular rider never looked happy on her second start but after Toulouse, which was a warmer race than this, he should be able to ride her more confidently from a slightly better draw than the favourite.
Finally, Furieuse is from a family of Anglo Arab champions that have combined earnings of €1m on the track and she is reportedly well-liked at home. I think she looks a good bet to at least place in this contest.
9.05am Mont De Marsan – 1.5pt each-way Furieuse @ 11/2 (all firms, bet365 are 6-1)
