An EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes over 6f.
This looks a competitive heat.
Mahkama was sent off 4/1 joint favourite on debut at Haydock. This $270,000 filly by Berdardini showed signs of ability, travelling with consummate ease for much of the race only to falter at the furlong pole and eased by Dettori to finish in her own time. I was left with the impression that there was much more to come although there is a question mark over that performance. Whether that was caused by ground issues, lack of fitness or injury only time will tell. However, it would be no surprise to see Mahkama run a big race. Saeed Bin Suroor has a 40% strike rate at the course from a large sample.
If this wasn't such a competitive race, I would be quite keen on the chances of a few of these individuals. Many may not have proven ability but a few have potential to make great gains from their debut efforts.
Al Maymeyah was a slow starter at Doncaster, which put her on the back foot. The form of that race was probably average. However, Hannon's youngster was strongly fancied in the betting and it is conceivable that things just didn't pan out that day. The reason for keeping faith is that this filly by Teofilo has recently been entered to run in a Listed race. Once again fancied in the betting, this 46,000gns yearling buy could be capable of better.
The above two fillies are likely to set the standard even considering their indifferent initial starts.
Another filly with potential is Pindrop trained by Walter Swinburn. After a slow start, she ran on well without being pressed and is a likely improver. That was a fair race and if priced 13/2 & less has respectable win and place claims.
White Spirit is another who could go well at a price. Marco Botti's juveniles are always worthy of note when priced 10/1 & less on debut. This daughter of Invincible Spirit is a good-looking juvenile and worth a second chance. It is a wonder she didn't run a better race on debut considering she was a £40,000 breeze-up purchase. However, many two-year-olds fluff their lines on debut. It is a strange factor that sometimes the better the horse the worse the debut. On the face of it, to finish last doesn't inspire confidence. But it may be foolish to draw a line through this youngster just yet. At speculative odds, White Spirit may go well. It wouldn't be a surprise if she was backed.
Of the others, Superinjunction ran in a very hot race at Newmarket. If priced 13/2 & less has strong win and place claims.
By Invitation is a 50,000gns breeze-up purchase. The owners - Clipper Logistics - have been very successful with a number of juveniles trained by Beckett over the years. The stable have been in good form of late and can win on debut. However, it would be a very talented horse to win this race at the first time of asking, especially on a turning course.
Conclusion: In many ways this looks an average race. However, there are a number of potentially talented juveniles in this field and that competitive edge is worth noting if considering a wager - it may be more difficult to win than it looks. Mahkama may have disappointed on debut but could be a classy juvenile. Saeed Bin Suroor's strike rate at the course is so strong that a big run should be expected. Al Maymeyah has even more to prove and if it wasn't for a recent Listed race entry may be one to dismiss. However, being fancied on debut and quite strong in the betting today suggest that entry wasn't pie in the sky and there may be better to come. Pindrop, Superinjunction and White Spirit have fair win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less. The latter, trained by Marco Botti, may be backed from speculative odds. The debutantes have a stiff task and this will most likely go to a form horse.
HCE: ''A competitive race.Mahkama showed today what was expected on debut and soon had this field in trouble. A touch keen, she tired a little in the final furlong but supporters never had the slightest worry. Saeed Bin Suroor will have this youngster racing in Pattern class before long and clearly a talented type. Al Maymeyah improved markedly on her debut and ran on with purpose. The betting told the story that both were strongly fancied. There will be many winners come from this race.''