This looks a fairly thin six–runner maiden on testing ground where stamina will matter and class should tell. On paper the race revolves around the Willie Mullins runner Fou De Toi and the consistent Frankie’s Freebie, with the rest needing sizeable improvement.
Fou De Toi sets the standard on ability. His French debut third is strong form for a race of this nature, with the two horses that beat him going on to win Listed races. When he reappeared at Thurles last month after a 21-month absence, he travelled far too keenly and paid the price late on, finishing fourth on heavy ground.
That effort is better than it looks. It was clearly a pipe-opener and the run should take the freshness out of him. The step up to three miles also looks a positive. If he settles properly this time, he should have more class than anything else in the field.
Frankie’s Freebie is the solid alternative. A point winner who stays well, he has been knocking on the door in maidens with form figures of 3-2-2 this season. His latest second at Punchestown came behind a comfortable winner and he again shaped like a horse that keeps finding without quite getting his head in front. He will almost certainly run his race again, but he may just lack the upside of the Mullins horse.
Panjandrum is harder to trust. A useful bumper winner, but his two hurdle runs have been disappointing. Connections now step him up to three miles which could unlock improvement given his pointing background, though it requires a leap of faith.
Belladona Princess has shown bits of form and is one of the few in the field who finishes her races strongly. If the leaders go too hard early she could pick up pieces late, but she still looks vulnerable at the weights.
Honey Come Quick has point form and some ability over fences but switching back to hurdles creates another question mark, while Jimmy Jim Paddy looks up against it after a modest debut.
The Verdict
This race lacks depth and Fou De Toi stands out as the horse with the most ability. With his comeback run under his belt and a more suitable trip, he should take a big step forward.
Selection: Fou De Toi
Is the selection bombproof?
So-so.
He is clearly the most talented horse in the race, but he still has to prove he settles over three miles on heavy ground. If he does, he should win.