One bet on the card at Lion D’Angers today, where I like the look of Hello Royal in the 1m2f maiden (12.05pm).

The Eoghan O’Neill-trained three year old finished sixth on debut at Chantilly in February, but he showed plenty of speed to get to the front early, travelled well on the lead, and just got tired in the final furlong.

The yard’s runners tend to come on plenty for their first run, so I am expecting a step forwards here, particularly as it looks a modest contest.

There are several reasons to think there could be a lot more to come.  Hello Royal has lots of physical scope to progress, but his pedigree offers even more hope.  A fifth foal, his three male siblings are Listed-placed Saglawy (later Gr.1-placed over hurdles), Group 2 winner Royal Youmzain and dual Group 1 winner Hello Youmzain.

Aurelien Lemaitre, who rode Hello Royal on debut, renews the partnership for what is his only ride on the card and hopefully a big run awaits.  The wide draw isn’t ideal, but the 1m2f start is at the top of the straight, so there should be plenty of time to get a position.

12.05 Le Lion d’Angers – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Hello Royal @ 7-1 (all firms)