Though he has yet to show his true colours in two runs in France this year, I can’t resist backing Fanfan Du Seuil in what looks a weak handicap hurdle at Strasbourg this afternoon.

The six-year-old son of Racinger (sire of recent headline-maker Goas Mat) was a smart juvenile, winning on his debut in France for Mickael Seror before joining Tom George, for whom is won at Exeter before a second in minor company at Cheltenham.  He rounded off his novice season with runs at both Cheltenham and Aintree, finishing fifth in the Boodles off a mark of 136.

Things haven’t gone to plan since, but his midfield efforts in highly-competitive handicaps came off marks of 133 and 130, and it is worth noting his three French runs in the past seven months have come on heavy ground – he may well appreciate a switch to a slightly sounder surface at Strasbourg today.

Having contested the second division of a Quinte at Auteuil last time, he is now in considerably calmer waters and a French mark of 54 really should be within his compass.

1.15pm Strasbourg – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Fanfan Du Seuil @ 7-1 (1/4 1-4 all firms)