A very restricted auction race for colts and fillies over 6f.
The nature of such a race means the debutantes are likely to be limited.
A selection of form horses are on show - but many with question marks.
Indian Lizzy was relatively fancied in the betting on debut at Great Yarmouth - in a similarly restricted race - but showed little. This step up in distance will help but much more is needed even in this grade. Cole has a good win and place rate with his fancied juveniles on their second start and reason why the betting is important. If priced 13/2 & less Indian Lizzy may hold more hope although any weakness would be a negative.
John Hills - ''Mr Midas'' - has been in golden form with his two-year-olds. Fromthestablescom is a difficult juvenile to assess. He showed nothing on debut at Folkestone and then went off a 33/1 outsider in a small race at Warwick. It may be the case this colt was flattered that day because it was a strange race in ways. The winner - Choice Of Remark - may have been in a different league and Grand Gold wasn't at his best and showed improved form to go close at Ripon over the weekend. Hills has been in sparkling form, which is a plus but the best indicator of this youngster may be the betting. Any weakness would be a negative.
Probably the most proven in this field is Rooknraspberryripple. This filly by Piccolo is attractive and certainly has some size for the fairer sex. She showed speed at Windsor on debut before falling into a whole and trailed in last. Channon was quoted as saying he had high hopes for this bay filly at Brighton although it seemed strange if that was true why she was weak in the betting. Generally, their leading lights are well backed which does bring slight concerns today. There was much more encouragement on her last start although that was a pretty moderate race. Rooknraspberryripple ran on well at the finish and by all accounts 6f should suit. Channon's youngster is big and a touch awkward in running and a turning course may bring problems. Out of all the runners she could be the one with most potential although there are still a few questions to answer.
Latte is on something of a recovery mission after being very well backed on his second start at Redcar. Stubbs is a talented trainer and that money may have been a sign there is better to come. This son of Multiplex travelled like the winner but faded in the last furlong. The form of that event - although moderate - has been franked with the third and fourth winning since. Latte is a good looking gelding and this 6f could be the key to finding further improvement. Even from a wide draw, Tom Eaves will make the most of this gelding's experience and should sit handy, travel well but the answer of whether this extra furlong will make the difference between winning and losing is still open.
Of the unraced Hamble is the most interesting. A home bred owned by ex-trainer Charles Cyzer, this gelding may have claims. Ryan Moore has a good strike rate for William Haggis although their stable do not feature the best win statistics on debut. With inexperience, making his debut on a turning track, Hamble may be the type to be placed rather than victorious.
Conclusion: A tricky race with a number of youngsters having something to prove. The debutantes wouldn't need to be anything special to win although in a restricted race of this nature most will fall short. Hamble has the best claims but probably best watched. Rooknraspberryripple and Latte have the most proven form but the former is a bulky type who may not be suited by the track but has potential. Latte is likely to travel well and if this 6f is the key could go well. However, you have to take a chance on that front. John Hills ''Mr Midas'' has been panning gold with his two-year-olds this season and that is a plus for Fromthestablescom. However, the form of the Warwick race is difficult to assess and this colt may have been flattered.
HCE: ''Not the strongest race - bar the winner - but a sparkling performance from Norse Gold. This is a very rare winner for a David Elsworth debutante. In fact since 2007 he has only had two manage such a feat: Passified and Seattle Drive (both talents). A cheap purchase - owned, trained & bred by Elsworth - he is a half-brother to Morermoloke and from a dam who won on her debut at 3yo. Held up off the pace he flew home at the finish and although this was a restricted race I can imagine this youngster has a touch of class. An attractive colt, it speaks well that Elsworth trained this juvenile to win at the first time of asking - a very significant factor. Rooknraspberryripple ran a great race and at this level will have little fuss winning. Latte travelled well, again, but must still be a little weak as he struggles to finish his races and probably needs more time. A lovely-looking gelding his day may come later in the season.''
Full result (click)
Other races:
2:00 Goodwood