harrisman

10.50 Fontainebleau 2m6f chase xcountry. all the money is for the Lagenste Macaire runner, however the combination of different track and crucially trip, up 2f from its 2 previous XCountry events in Pau leads me to take both Cooper Des Ongrais and Extreme (Felix de Giles ridden always a benefit in these events) as possible punts against it.maybe a small reverse Fcast as well.

Pau 11.50 An interesting XCountry of nearly 3m. The going is described as soft now, rather than the heavy described as yesterday.I wonder if that may be the reason for Feeling Fast now being equal favourite with Dunguin having shortened into 5/2 However there are still doubts about getting home for all the runners going up in trip except. 5/2 ew Dunguin

Some interesting racing at Pau today with a nice competitive XCountry event. In the opener at 10.50 all the money is for the Reveley horse.Possibly the most likely winner however much too short for me in a reasonably competitive chase.At the prices the trainer's(in cracking form) other runner -Seigneur Des As appeals more .11/1 ew 1.07. Guerre Des Gaules ew 12/1. ground should be ideal and expecting a big run with the excellent Nathalie Desoutter on top and claims 4. 2.17. Chez Pedro. (In the Papot silks, only runner on card) -unseated early in a similar race a couple of weeks ago however this time has the master Felix de Giles on board and must be in with a good chance at the finish 4/1 ew

Deauville 16.52 King Archiep Interesting that the excellent German trainer Grewe brings this one runner to Deauville for a 2yo maiden with Bachelot on top. 5/1ew taken.

Deauville. 14.15 An interesting AW 6 1/2 F sprint with an unbalanced look to the market in my eyes.Most of the money seems to be going purely on jockey bookings with Barzalona and Bachelot head to head taking a massive chunk. Consequently I'll be taking Tibasti at 7/1. (with a useful claimer weight reduction) who on OR is well clear of the field and the improving Datthirey at 9/1 split stakes. May consider an exotic near the off as welldepending on the prices

And typically Felix wins the closing big field handicap .!!

Felix will be annoyed he wasn't on the other although made amends with a cracking ride in the following race!!

Some nice rides for Felix de Giles today at Cagnes. 12.25 partic interesting riding for Sophie Leech on Cracking Smart14/1 ew taken. Very reasonable back form on heavy.

PAU. 13.15 Lucky Let Love. 6/1 e/w. Cracking XCountry chase with Reveley mount best value on current prices Only just touched off in the Listed XCountry at this track in Feb by the current Fav, and over a slightly shorter distance this time conditions and trip seem ideal. Dunquin would-be an interesting ew alternative if it drifts out to 14/1 and above.

Nice ride from Barzalona to land the early 8/1 on IRISH POINT in the NHFlat race last week. Last meeting of year today at Auteuil. Very tricky looking card on Heavy going with little leaping out at the few early prices about -however will give a chance to the Louisa Carberry trained. SURDOUE DE BALLON. 6/1 e/w dropped in grade and trip into the opening claimer. Seems to have been a tricky horse to place with only 1 win on Heavy going 2 years ago, although a reasonable place rate esp on going described. The most recent spin in the Listed XCountry course at Compeigne would have been excellent preparation for this event over the tricky Auteuil obstacles.

Saint Cloud 12.15 An interesting National Hunt flat race over 1m4f on heavy going . No prices at the moment however the one I'm most interested in is the Soumillon mount ILE O VENT. Anything over 6/1 will be acceptable. Likewise IRISH POINT the mount of Barcelona would be my second choice with similar odds wanted.

Never travelling that well sadly and rider did well to get third although out of the each way places.

Not had chance to post for ages owing to other business being very busy thankfully, however have a slight respite at the moment so keen to pop the occasional selection up. Today's card at Compeigne is full of interest although not nec from a punting perspective. 11.50. FRET D'ESTRUVAL. 6/1 e/w A competitive looking chase on heavy going with cases to be made for all six runners however I feel the selection ridden by the excellent Nathalie Desouttier claiming 4 ,in the distinctive Munir/Souede colours , is the overpriced one partic as it has been largely campaigned at the top graded tracks of Auteuil and Pau.

Very dissapointing. Seemed pretty unable to keep up with the race pace and although switched to the outside to have a clearer view of the hurdles it appeared to have little benefit. However I will keep on eye on it if it appears for an entry on a firmer surface.

Clairefontaine 11.15 Alce seems to me to represent good value, against the two Macaire runners heading the market.I don't think Alce is fully exposed yet and if the excellent Nathalie Desoutter claiming 4, can ride it a bit closer to the pace than on its debut where it seemed to take time to settle, I'm hopeful it will be still in contention at the last. ALCE- 8/1ew