A maiden for colts and fillies over 6f on good to firm ground.
With prize money of £7,771 to the winner, this could be a decent contest.
Arabian Star, a good-looking colt by Green Desert, went off relatively unfancied on debut at Haydock at the odds of 20/1, finishing a creditable 5th. He has subsequently ran out an easy second to the talented Neebras. Channon has his juveniles in good form and this youngster certainly looks the part. One note of caution is that even though this two-year-old was runner-up to a talented individual, the form to some extent is still unproven. The 4th Frankish Dynasty did nothing when competing at York yesterday, although that performance did appear to be too bad to be true.
Another form horse to have shown some sparkle is Major Conquest. After running in a very good maiden at Newbury and probably in need of the run, this son of Librettist ran much better at Goodwood when relatively fancied in the betting. A handsome colt with a fluent stride, Hills' charge finished that race with some spirit and wasn't knocked about to finish 4th in a blanket finish. The running of the 3rd Dr Green gives reason to think that was a fair race and certainly bestows enough ability to win an average maiden. Hills' juveniles can often run indifferent races but Major Conquest must be respected and has claims on that recent effort.
Considering this race is sponsored in the memory of the Late Miss Bridget Squires it is fitting to note Dubai Affair who runs in her colours and owned by the Exors of the Late Miss B Squires. This very-well bred filly done little on debut when finishing last in a competitive race at Leicester. Looking inexperienced and most likely needing the run, she needs something of a transformation to feature here. On a positive note, it is interesting that Morrison has this filly out so early in the season as many of his first two-year-old runners have proven to be the more talented juveniles in his stable, with many going on to win. Dubai Affair would seem to have a stiff task but if taking after any of her ancestors at speculative odds she could have place claims.
Of the rest, Cold Secret went off at short odds on debut but was always trailing. Elsworth's two-year-old often improve significantly for the run, however, this colt by Iceman has questions to answer after that performance.
The debutantes will need to be forward and have a level of ability to win on their racecourse bow. Richard Hannon fields three two-year-olds and Aldwick Bay, a 50,000euros colt by Danehill Dancer, is the most fancied in the betting. It is always something of a lottery to appreciate the strength of jockey bookings with this stable and betting moves are the best indicator to performance.
Florestands Match is worth noting for Beckett although Mrs R J Jacobs' juveniles often seem to improve for the run. Beckett does well with his two-year-olds at Salisbury, a place where some of his best youngsters have made their appearance.
Tip:
4:15 Salisbury - Major Conquest 1PTEW (9/2) 1st
Comment: 'A good review of the race and decent performance from horse and jockey, running-on well for a win.'
Other race:
2:20 Doncaster