The opening claimer at Chantilly looks a much more open affair with morning favourite Tag now a non-runner, and it offers an excellent opportunity for Hot Summer to return to winning ways.
The six year old was a dual winner here last year for Ludovic Rovisse, but failed to shine for two subsequent trainers last term. Returned to Rovisse in December, he was very unlucky not to go close in a Deauville handicap, getting absolutely no run in the straight, and then looked to lose his action when still travelling well there last time.
The return to this course is an obvious plus, as is the booking of Simon Planque in an apprentice race. Though he drops back to a mile today, he has shown in the past that he has the speed for this trip.
10.50am Chantilly – 1pt win Hot Summer @ 6-1 (Skybet, Coral, Ladbrokes, Unibet, 7-1 available with Betway, 11/2 elsewhere)
Later on the card, the Christophe Ferland-trained newcomer See You Boy looks a shade overpriced in the 6.5f maiden.
Ferland has made a blistering start to the year and he gets plenty of winning newcomers. This son of Siyouni makes plenty of appeal on pedigree (his dam is a winning Acclamation half-sister to Le Havre) and in what looks a very average maiden, it is surprising to see him available at 15/2 this morning.
12.25pm Chantilly – 1pt win See You Boy @ 15/2 (various)