Prix Thomas Bryon (Group 3) (2yo) (Turf) Thursday at 1:40

I'm very surprised that Yves De Nicolay is prepared to run Pontenuovo over a mile on testing ground.  He presumably has no worries about the trip, even though the filly's dam (Porlezza) was very speedy.  I like the look of Andre Fabre's Grand Vent: he won over this trip last time at Maisons-Laffitte, coming from last to first with a good turn of foot to win comfortably, despite having been knocked off balance after leaving the stalls and taking time to get into his stride.  But the one that really catches the eye is Bago's half-brother Maxios, who won impressively on his debut at Longchamp and goes well on soft ground: he has the physique, the speed and the pedigree to be a very good horse.  Ixgan doesn't look anything special, and Shooting Gallery's form leaves a lot to be desired (though he was visually impressive).  Pontenuovo obviously has the best form in the race but is surely vulnerable over this trip on soft ground, so I prefer the claims of Maxios and Grand Vent.

James, i've called too much wrong this season that it's not even funny. Would you personally take into account that the horse made an impressive looking decisive move in the race whilst partnered by a weak jockey and is value for more possibly ??? Big possibly btw, no confidence anymore

ixgan out

another excellent call james. cheers.

Well, it didn't take much effort to select Maxios, he was 6/5 favourite.  He did just enough to scramble home and win cleverly on the heavy ground.  He's a nice prospect for next year.  Rather than back Maxios, the percentage bet was to lay Pontenuovo at around 7/2 - she was never going to get home over a mile on testing ground.