Laval 27 April 2023

Alternates the good with the less good but imposed under these conditions last month. First time barefoot and must not be underestimated

Placed just once in three at Laval and in this company will have his work cut out

Considerably better in the other code and not a realistic proposition

Useful dual-purpose type but unseen since January and will need the outing

Delicate but useful on a good day. Steps up in class but could still get a look in

Previously a good sort but disappointing this year and unlikely to spring any surprises

Winner of last two outings when barefoot. Reassured at La Capelle and can go one better this time

Recently showed a return to form following a pair of lacklustre efforts. Hind shoes off but others still preferred

Imposed on lone appearance at the venue. Not as effective since but barefoot this time and worth noting

Moderate trotter making first appearance for 3.5 months and not an obvious choice

Highly capable trotter that should be fit by now. Won last time with just front pads fitted and must be retained

Has raced well for the most part this term. Sanctioned last time but expected to make amends and can be backed with confidence

Not the most dependable but has ability. One race in him since the break and with front shoes off this time can get straight back in the game

Good consistent sort that went close here last time out. Comes back fresh and can again challenge for the win

Consistently tough campaigner returning fresh to a track he likes and looks set to pick up where he left off

Classy Swedish import that has taken well to his new vocation. Will be fresh and another solid run anticipated

Sprang a massive surprise when third at Argentan 10 days ago but a repeat looks highly unlikely

Moderate sort with decent aptitude but struggled on re-entry and must show improvement

No closer than 4th in last 11 starts and can expect to generate little interest

Has acquitted herself well since leaving Norway and can trot her way onto the podium

Imposed in Paris to kick off the new year but below-par since and must raise her game

Very hard to fault since the winter. Appreciates these conditions and is not incapable of opening his seasonal account

Previously a good sort but has been off the boil for some time

Unseen since December and unraced under the saddle since March 2021, but is very capable when behaved and is not to be overlooked

Took little time getting back in the winners circle following the break and if applied can give this a good go

Debuts in the discipline following a disappointing period under harness and no fireworks anticipated

Undeniably capable but stays shod for second start back and best to hold off

Returned to form during the winter after a lean period but unraced for 2.5 months

Gave an excellent account on Mauquenchy comeback three weeks ago and in shape form will be no pushover

Superb campaigner in the other code but under harness can be ruled out

Has some merit but off the track since early February

Fine servant that took little time getting back in shape following the winter break. Is barefoot for step back up in class and looks main threat to HADDOCK DU CLOS (8)

Modest individual with just one race in him since last summer and will have nothing to offer

Remarkably consistent type that comes here on a 4-timer. Yet to produce the goods at Laval but in current form is hard to ignore

Quality element but unseen since December and will need the run

Twice a winner in three starts this year. Never successful here but in present form is still worth retaining

Previously a decent sort but lost his way last season and has picked up where he left off

No slouch on a good day but better at a lower level and chances limited

Quality element that imposed at Rambouillet when unshod behind. Is clearly in form and will not be far off the mark

Erratic but even having shown improvement last time will still struggle to make his mark

Hardy mare with references at a superior level. Returned to winning ways earlier in the month and justifiably bids to double her money

Serious trotter making first appearance of the year. Stays shod but has the quality to make it into the money

Last picked up a cheque 8 months ago and is not about to spring any surprises

Completely out of the picture in every start this term and will have few friends

Decent trotter that has raced better lately than results would suggest and deserves to be taken seriously

Modest individual that has not been seen out since December and will have nothing to offer

Clearly capable but still being conditioned after the break and best to hold off

Blows hot and cold but in cracking form right now. Denied a gap last time when full of running but can more than make amends

Won two on the trot earlier in the year before flopping at Enghien. Stays shod this time and others preferred

Quality element that should be fully fit by now. Boasts decent credentials at this level and should not be far off the mark

Solid type but races shod for re-entry and best to hold off

Likes Laval but disappointing so far this year and needs to reaffirm

Specialist in the monte code and has other priorities

Serious sort that seldom disappoints when barefoot. Twice a winner here and will again have his chances

At the top of his game in recent weeks. Reunited with champion driver and hopes high of a second success of the season

Exceptionally consistent mare that went close last time here. First start of the season but goes barefoot for the occasion and should not be underestimated

Veteran that seems more at home in the claiming division these days and can be ruled out

Has raced particularly well this year and latterly imposed at Vincennes. Comes here fresh and can challenge for a place on the podium

Winner of three from five. Lacklustre on re-entry but hind shoes off for first time and can make amends

Unexceptional sort from the Guarato powerhouse and unlikely to spring any surprises on comeback

Quality element that climbed the class ladder well last year but unraced since and best to wait

Showed good potential last season. Just one race under his belt this term though and appears to require another outing

Still a maiden from 11 and even though having gone close more than once, stride issues will deny him much support

Unexceptional colt that has yet to show any form this year and can be passed over

Just one blip on his formsheet in six career starts. Moves up in class but still looks to have a lot to offer

Has done nothing but improve since returning to competition but at this level is unlikely to complement recent turf victory

Appears to be at the top of his game. First time unshod behind and the Raffin-factor cannot be ignored

Solid sort that got straight down to business on comeback. In better company this time but one to note all the same

Moderate type that has failed to shine yet this term. Revised shoeing formula but still not an obvious choice

Useful filly that has pleased in both starts this year. First time barefoot and looks a serious proposition

Serious colt that went close on only start here. Showed his form on comeback and on good behaviour can get off the mark for the year

Sanctioned here earlier in the month but otherwise a faithful servant with considerable ability and can impose

Capable when applied but sanctioned early at Cherbourg and others easier to back

Showed decent aptitude last season. Unraced since December but goes unshod behind and must be worth retaining

Capricious mare that has done nothing noteworthy for some time and will have few takers

A complete write-off for past 13 months

Unraced since winning in the south mid-January and will not be over-taxed

Decent type with nothing to prove in this category but unraced since January and will need the outing

Disappointing on the whole since last summer and can be ruled out

Has evident ability but sanctioned too often this term to warrant much support