A maiden over 7f for colts and fillies.
This looks a duel between the two favourites - Prompter and Realisation. Both put up very encouraging performances on debut and clearly rated by their respective stables.
Prompter was fancied to give Hayley Turner a winning return to the saddle and I can imagine in ways they were surprised to be beaten that day. That was a creditable run to go so close in a novice stakes race on his racecourse bow. No doubt Bell will be hoping this son of Motivator can bring a welcome winner for the sire who has of yet been disappointing with his crop of juveniles. Prompter has been given a number of Group entries and will certainly be winning a race or two but whether he can beat the Johnston horse is an interesting question
Realisation ran very well on debut when finishing third to Gunner Lindley, who has since run well at Goodwood. Mark Johnston has been flying at Goodwood this week and this colt will run a big race today. It is difficult to assess how Prompter and Realisation compare but make no mistake this two-year-old will not be easy to beat here.
Of the rest, Number One Guy is worth a mention. Tompkins' juvenile has an element of speed and looks the type to do well round Chester's turning track. Not the biggest horse, with a lean but attractive look, this colt by Rock Of Gibraltar will be up there for a long way but my struggle to cope with the two more fancied runners.
Not the easiest race to call and ideally an each way bet on Realisation would be the tip although that isn't likely to happen. Out of the two favourites I would side with Johnston's although I am not keen on betting in this race because I don't think there will be much value to be found.
A watching race.
Bonasera (NR)
Race review: 'Prompter was given a positive ride by Turner and leading on the rail gave this colt every chance of hitting the winning mark for connections and giving Motivator his first two-year-old winner. Many of his progeny have disappointed so far but it is apt that Bell has a capable juvenile on his hands which could go on to compete in pattern races. Realisation and Tominator has run against each other at Haydock but it was Hollinshead's charge who took second. He clearly improved for the run but part of that reversal was to do with a disappointing effort by Realisation. I don't think it would have mattered what the Johnston horse had done, he wouldn't have beaten Prompter, however, he wasn't suited by the course and found trouble in running on a couple of occasions. This juvenile will be better on a more galloping course.'