Looking at today’s racing in France, I like a couple at Cagnes-sur-Mer. The favourite in the opening race is very short in the betting and will likely take plenty of beating. In the 11:35, PURPLE BAY was a pleasing second over the course and distance last time in a maiden and can be a strong contender, with improvement likely from that latest start.

At Angers (10:42), VICTORY WIND can get his head in front after a series of solid recent efforts. In the 11:17, the likely favourite LE KARMA was possibly unlucky when unseating his rider on his most recent start over fences and can make amends here.

More soon.

Reflecting on today’s racing at Auteuil, it was a pleasing return from the classy SAINT D’ESPRIT in a Grade 3 hurdle. A former Grade 1 winner last season, he looks a horse to follow again this spring after scoring comfortably by over seven lengths.

There is some decent racing to look forward to over the next few days in France and the UK. I noticed that Billy Loughnane has opted not to ride at Wolverhampton tonight. Sky Sports Racing reported that he was not riding but provided very few details as to why. There has been talk that he has struggled with his weight at times this winter, which could be a concern going forward. He is still very young and, given his tall frame, is likely to face an ongoing battle to keep his weight in check.

More soon.

Looking at today’s racing in France, the sole meeting takes place at Cagnes-sur-Mer, with the first race off at 12:05. The filly I like there is AL RATEEL, who scored on the turf at this track on debut, beating her stablemate into second that day, a rival who has since won. She can follow up today switched to the PSF, and the slight step up in trip to one mile should pose no problem.

SAINT MARTIN, in the 12:40 race, is likely to start at short odds and could prove hard to beat. He ran well when second at this track in a Class 1 contest late in January, having won over the course a week earlier in a maiden.

More soon.

Looking at the racing at Kempton tonight, I like Blue Moon Warrior in the 6.10. He ran a solid race when third over seven furlongs at this track in early January, finishing strongly that day. He steps back up to a mile this evening, having been placed over the trip on debut. With that in mind, he can be expected to improve and could get the better of likely favourite Menzies.

In France, at Cagnes-sur-Mer, where racing begins at 10.55 this morning, Armano in the 11.25 looks interesting. He may improve from his debut, when he started favourite, and could go much better today under Cristian Demuro.

Looking at the racing today at Newcastle, the winner of the 5.15 was Sweet Princess, trained by Karl Burke. She was a cosy winner at very short odds but looks like one to follow. Making the running throughout, the result was never in doubt as she beat fellow newcomer Finally Escaped into second. That runner showed clear ability and is one to put into the tracker for the future.

There was not much else on the card of real interest, although I hope Francesi can win again in the 6.15 for my old friend Tony Carroll.

Tony has done really well in recent years, saddling over 100 winners last year. Hopefully, he can match that total—or better it—this year.