Monday’s French Banker is an exciting hurdler making his seasonal reappearance for leading connections…

Ferrum (Kilian Dubourg/Lageneste & Macaire)
Bordeaux – R5 – Prix Edouard Claverie

- Exciting Polish import who made a winning start over hurdles
- In contention when falling at the last flight on his second run
- Capable of getting back to winning ways on seasonal return

Although likely to start favourite in a small field, it's difficult to see past exciting hurdling prospect Ferrum in the Prix Edouard Claverie.

Third for former connections in Poland, the son of Exaltation was recruited into the powerhouse stable of Lageneste and Macaire, making his hurdling debut at Machecoul in February. It was an easy victory for the four-year-old, who dominated the majority of the contest before pulling clear for a five length success.

Stepped up to Class 2 company for his second outing, it seemed that a similar performance was likely at the fourth-last flight, with Ferrum sat alongside the leader. Although dropping back to third at the second-last, he was still in contention when falling at the final hurdle and lost little in defeat. The first and third-placed horses have since given the form a considerable boost by winning again.

Given time off the track since, it is reasonable to believe the promising four-year-old will have improved mentally and physically – given a clean round of jumping, he can get his career back to winning ways.