David Cottin has enjoyed considerable success in the juvenile hurdle division this spring and Fou Du Roi looks overpriced to give him another three-year-old winner at Vichy this afternoon (2.39pm).
The son of Triple Threat is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Feu Follet and he went to the prestigious opening juvenile hurdle of the season at Compiegne with a tall reputation, so much so that he was sent off odds-on.
However, he looked in need of the experience that day and jumped markedly right-handed, so it is a positive to see him on a right-handed track today. Though he was ultimately a well-beaten fourth, having made much of the running, the form is very strong; Impressive has since bolted up in Listed company at Auteuil and runner-up Tonguetted won at Compiegne next time out, before again finishing second to Impressive.
In contrast, the favourite has won minor races at Angouleme and here at Vichy, the form of which is yet to be tested. However, she is a filly giving weight (before the jockey’s claim) to the boys and is skinny enough at the morning prices.
Triple Threat has his first crop of three year olds this year and while Cottin has two others by the sire in this race, Fou Du Roi looks the pick. Cottin has already trained a winner by the sire, with Sans Bruit building on a ninth at Auteuil on his hurdling debut with a 17-length success in the provinces next time out. Hopefully Fou Du Roi can follow suit!
1pt win Fou Du Roi @ 9/2 (all firms except Paddy Power and Betfair)
