A cracking card at Toulouse today, which finishes with three Listed races, in which Jean-Claude Rouget has all three favourites.
Having put up a Jerome Reynier-trained winner at Nancy yesterday, I’m hoping the Marseille-based trainer can do us another favour today, with Amica Nostra looking a big price in the final race on the card (1.50pm).
Favourite Fantastic Spirit will be tough to beat, but the Reynier representative looks overpriced against him, having run nicely over an inadequate trip on reappearance behind stablemate Padron, who was ridden for the first time that day by Gerald Mosse. With that run under her belt, Amica Nostra is returned to her preferred trip and has the assistance of Mosse in the saddle for the first time, who Reynier is keen to use more on some of his better horses this term.
She beat today’s second favourite Port Etienne in a Listed contest at Marseille last term and was subsequently beaten just a nose in a Group 3 in Italy. She looks the type to improve again this year and looks a value each-way bet today.
1.50pm Toulouse – 1pt each-way Amica Nostra @ 10-1 (Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor, 9-1 all other firms)
I don’t like to put up favourites, as regular followers will know, but I’m hoping Qeyaady can get the morning card off to a good start in the opening maiden.
His opening third at Tarbes was a very good run, particularly given he was very slowly away and gave his rivals a good start. The first and second that day are both particularly well-bred individuals from good yards, so the form should work out. He has a really good pedigree and looks the sort to develop into a useful performer this term. I’m not convinced by his two main market rivals, so he looks worth backing.
10.00am Toulouse – 1pt win Qeyaady @ 15/8 (Skybet, William Hill, Betvictor, Unibet, Betfred. 2-1 available with Bet365)
