Chantilly Group 3 For Master Carpenter

We have our first runner in France for nearly five years as stable star Master Carpenter goes for a Group 3 in Chantilly on Monday (14.50GMT). There are eight runners and Christophe Soumillion takes the ride in a nine furlong contest. He is the only English raider and it is hard to equate what Master Carpenter's form is worth against his rivals but he comes out third top on official ratings. Favourite is Bodhi who has won his last four starts, including over course and distance and even with his 3lb penalty, looks the one to beat. However, Master Carpenter's confidence can only be boosted by that facile success at Sandown and with the rain-softened ground (why he has gone to France) in his favour, we are hopeful of a place at least.

We also have two 'home' runners at Southwell and Windsor. Masai Moon is back on his beloved fibresand and despite the fact that his last four wins have been at six furlongs, we still feel he is best at seven furlongs as he gets badly outpaced. He has a bit to find on official ratings but he is nearly always in the three at Southwell so should not be too far away. Ivor's Princess is not the most consistent but has won twice in the last six months, once over seven furlongs and then twelve furlongs at Bath. Whatever the trip, she is reliant on a strong pace, which she should get in a thirteen runner field and if on a going day, she should not be too far away.