A maiden for colts and gelding over 7f with a big prize for the winner.
A mix of form horses and juveniles making their debut. On this turning course a high draw and experience are positive factor.
Texan Star ran well on debut, second to the talented Emerald Commander. This colt by Galileo looks a strong sort and although given a race at Newbury wasn't bullied and was clear of the third. It is slightly difficult to assess what he achieved that day although you would be inclined to think this two-year-old has a fair level of ability and likely to improve with racing. Holding a Group entry for the Royal Lodge (Group 2) is a sign of encouragement. Gosden's juveniles have been running much better of late and although not ideally drawn, there is much to like about this individual.
Yarra River is a consistent juvenile and Balding has been doing well with his two-year-olds all season. The form of the Epsom race is working out well and this juvenile ran wide for much of the way and wasn't suited by the course and should be more at home today. That was a decent effort and another big run can be expected. Once again not ideally drawn, this colt should have the experience and speed to hold a handy position. Through a form line with Branderburgo, Balding's youngster should just about have the beating of Poor Prince although there may not be a huge amount between them. Yarra River has decent each way claims and proven ability which is needed when competing at this grade.
Poor Prince ran well on debut and certainly has an element of speed. Cox's colt will probably be amongst the leaders and if improving for his debut run could have a chance. I thought this juvenile pretty much ran his race that day so I wouldn't expect a huge amount of progress and he does hold his head rather high. I would favour Yarra River today.
Akula ran on to take third at Yarmouth in a good race. The first and second are clearly talented juveniles and Tompkins' colt by Soviet Star wasn't hard pressed that day. The form of that third may be better than it looks and there is little doubt this juvenile will improve for that debut effort. It is interesting that Tompkins has come for this race and that in itself is a pointer. Not the easiest one to assess but not without a chance at a price. The negative of being drawn one doesn't help his cause. Probably a place horse at best but a juvenile to watch for the future.
The unraced have a lot to prove on debut and attaining the level set by the form horses will take a very good juvenile. In all likelihood this will go to a form horse. However a couple are worth noting. Delta Love has an entry for the Royal lodge and cost $260,000. Johnston does well at Goodwood. While Destination Aim has been entered for the Gimcrack, although many of Bin Suroor's improve for the run.
An intriguing maiden. I would have to go with the form horses here and Yarra River sets a guaranteed level of ability. Texan Star has the potential to be a very good juvenile although has something to prove at the moment and why I would give Balding's juvenile a decent each way claim today with the hope of sneaking a win.
A watching race.
Race review: 'It was difficult to see much of this race as the sea fret obscured the view. Stags Leap improved markedly for the run and clearly was second string on debut. A good win from this juvenile and a big prize to please connections. Yarra River ran on well and looked to hold every chance in the final furlong with Destination Aim and Delta Love making similar strides towards the line. A good few winners will come from this event. Texan Star was very well backed but ran no race. This colt is probably worth another chance.'