A Maiden Stakes over 5f for colts and fillies on standard ground conditions.
A lowly affair.
Scrooby Doo and Rano Pano have shown a glimmer of ability. The former trained by Dandy Nicholls went to Goowood last time, which must be a sign of confidence with regard to a return to Southwell. This drop back to 5f may see her struggling to go the pace in the early stages. However, the key to winning at this level is simply running to the line. The majority of the opposition will blast off for four furlongs before stopping. Scrooby Doo has claims in a race that will take little winning.
Rano Pano hails from a stable which have a decent strike rate with their juveniles at this course. This daughter of Proud Citizen ran in the Hilary Needler on debut, which is a far cry from an event of this standard. Ellison's youngster was quite well fancied on her second start at this course when running over 6f. After a lengthy absence, perhaps a better effort will be seen today. A fair each way selection if price allows although not the easiest to assess.
Great Ability has been sent over from Ireland and must be respected. I have know appreciation of the form he has achieved but connections must have some plan behind this venture which brings hope.
Whisky Bravo looked a fair juvenile on debut but seems to have regressed with racing.
Conclusion: Apoor race. A maiden but in reality these juveniles are auction standard at best and the majority platers. A difficult race to be dogmatic but Scrooby Doo looked to go well enough at Goodwood last time and if not inconvenienced by this minimum trip must go close. Ran Pano is another with similar claims. If drifting to an each way price, a fair bet as Ellison's juveniles go well here.
HCE: ''Whisky Bravo won well and probably appreciated this lower grade. Scrooby Doo held every chance - touching short odds in running - but simply wasn't good enough. Wake Up Sioux held on for third place from Rano Pano who clearly needs 6f after being comprehensively outpaced.''