This looks a fine chance for Al Mahmeyah to get off the mark. This daughter of Teofilo was fancied to go well on debut but disappointed, which was mainly caused by inexperience. Considering that modest performance she was quite well backed at Kempton. Clearly connections expected a greater showing and they were not disappointed but had little answer to the sparkling performance by Mahkama who could well be pattern class. This straight 6f shouldn't be a problem but it is worth noting this bay filly takes quite a lot of rousting to get into full stride and a tactical race would not be ideal. At relatively short odds, there is a fair chance this 46,000gns yearling will be a much bigger price in running. You can trust Hannon will have her primed for a big run and a strong finish will be forthcoming. The one to beat.
Ed McMahon is a great trainer and he knows his juveniles. The Fretwell two-year-olds are particularly noteworthy because this team have the knack of unveiling a classy horse. Whether Pussycat Dream can achieve the dizzy heights of some of her peers only time will tell. However, this daughter of Oasis Dream should be respected. She has been quite well supported on the exchanges. Although McMahon doesn't have the greatest strike race at Nottingham, it is a course he has sent some of his better juveniles. On balance, Pussycat Dream would need to be a talented juvenile to win this race on debut. I would have to favour Al Mahmeyah.
Of the others, Ashbina was quite an expensive acquisition at 72,000gns. This daughter of Royal Applause could have ability but William Haggis' two-year-olds do not feature the best win rate on debut and for that reason it is a watching brief.
Conclusion: Al Mahmeyah will take all the beating but may be a bigger price in running and likely struggle to go the pace mid race but run on with some purpose.
HCE: ''The market swayed quite dramatically towards the favourite in the last few minutes before the off - but the market got it wrong. Al Mahmeyah travelled well and looked to have the race won a couple of furlongs from home. However, Pussycat Dream - who is quite a sizable filly - made steady progress and then took the lead in the final furlong. The favourite ran her race. A great effort by the winner who must be a fair prospect.''