12.25pm Toulouse
The seven-furlong Prix Charles Florency is the subject of our attentions today at muddy Toulouse. Of the five runners rated 40 or above, two have double digit stall positions to overcome, including the Jerome Reynier-trained favourite Padron. Whilst far from insurmountable, particularly given some of the deadwood in this field, Moujik makes more appeal at 7/2 from an inside berth.
Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget has a number of barns and it pays to take notice when a particular cohort is ‘warm’ – be it two-year-olds, three-year-old or older horses. A couple of three-year-old have caught the eye recently with the Classics in mind, but it is the form of the older horses, such as Wally and Fantastic Spirit that hints at an explosive comeback here for Moujik.
An impressive winner of his sole juvenile start, at this track, Moujik took his form to a higher level in Paris last year but in doing so, showed he was not always focused on the task in hand. Gelded this winter, Moujik can perform over further, but I imagine the plan here will be to try to make all from stall six.
The quotes around Padron are that this will be a comeback run. It is unlikely that Millet will insist too hard on his horse if Moujik is already a few lengths clear at the top of the short home stretch.
1pt win Moujik @ 4/1 (bet365, Betfred, Betway)
