The maiden hurdle at Taunton looks a weak enough contest on paper and at the prices this morning, it is well worth giving Frankeur another chance to show what he is capable of.

In the frame in two AQPS bumpers in France in 2019, he returned from 18 months in a warm novice at Newbury in December, for which he was well found in the market.  A half-brother to Destrier, who is a smart performer for this yard (third in the Grade 1Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree), it is fair to say things didn’t go to plan.  Whipping round at the start, he gave his 15 rivals a good start, made a couple of novicey mistakes and never got into the race.

He has been given plenty of time to get over that and this looks an ideal race for his reappearance.  His form in France is more than good enough to suggest he can win his novice hurdle and with the Skelton team in exceptional form at present, he looks a value alternative to the odds-on favourite.

1.30pm Taunton – 1pt win Frankeur @ 4-1 (various, take Best Odds Guaranteed)