A maiden over 6f.
Breathless Storm went off a well-backed second favourite at Doncaster on debut. This son of Storm Cat, with a $300,000 price tag, is clearly well regarded within the Tate stable and has already been entered for two stakes races. On the face of it, this good-looking chestnut ran a fair race, as the form is respectable. However, his temperament on debut did look something of a concern. When Spencer asked for an effort this youngster put his head in the air and was even worse when shying away from the whip, becoming difficult to ride. It has to be remembered this was his first race and perhaps he is a big baby. No doubt Tate would have been trying to correct this problem although it would certainly put me off betting as a repeat of those antics would make a winning performance very unlikely. This 6f may give Breathless Storm more time to settle and enjoy the race. There is little doubt that Micky Fenton will be riding this juvenile with the future in mind.
Mahmood Al Zarooni - the new trainer of Godolphin's juveniles with Saeed Bin Suroor - will have plenty of two-year-old winners this season. Greek Islands cost 200,000 euros and a bay colt by Oasis Dream. As with all Godolphin juveniles it is never easy to know what they may achieve on debut - the classic good, bad and ugly performances - seem to have little reasoning behind them at times. I certainly wouldn't be interested in backing one of their two-year-olds on debut because of their indifferent performances.
Mick Channon has been in better form of late and his youngsters should always be respected on their second start as improvement can often be found. Saranjam was originally withdrawn from the Brocklesby Stakes after becoming unruly at the start. He went off unfancied at Goodwood and wasn't disgraced in 5th although perhaps a little more would have been expected as he must have been on the go at home unless he had a set back. The hopes of Channon's juveniles seem very price orientated with few winning at big odds on first or second start. The betting will be the best guide to this ones chances today and if relatively fancied, an improved performance should be expected.
Howard Johnson is represented by Defence Council, costing 55,000gns. This trainer knows a decent juvenile and the betting is always worth noting. However, in general, he features a poor win rate on debut which suggests his two-year-olds often improve with racing.
Captain Loui comes from a significant owner/trainer partnership although the booking of Eaves may be a negative.
Of the outsiders, Rainbows Son showed little in a stakes race at Thirsk on debut but may be capable of better.