A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 5f 11y on good to soft ground.Poor prize money for this contest which looks to be a battle of two horses. Sign Of The Zodiac is a grey son of Clodovil & 24,000gns foal. He is a half-brother to the talented Brae Hill. This March foal is owned by Julie Wood and was fancied to run a big race on debut at Newbury, trained by Richard Hannon. That Newbury maiden has a reputation for being a strong race and the third Dust Whirl has franked the form with a sterling effort at Doncaster over the weekend.Sign Of The Zodiac was the more fancied of the two juveniles but slightly outpaced mid-race before running on with purpose. By all accounts this is a drop in class and a big run should be expected. This colt has been entered for a Stakes contest which adds to confidence. A tough horse to beat.
Hillbilly Boy is a strong colt. He has had a rather indifferent career so far, which must be quite annoying for his trainer, who has been in terrific form with his two-year-old string. It is additionally surprising as I am sure this son of Haafhd is one of the best - if not best - juvenile in the stable. He ruined his chance with a slow start on debut, then ran a great race at Beverley losing narrowly. However, this youngster ran a strange race at Pontefract. It is difficult to appreciate what happened that day because it was a surprise to see him outpaced before running on all too late. Of all things, I didn't imagine he would be outpaced. This bay colt seemed to lose ground on the bend, which might be some sort of reason. Although the race was run at a half speed which doesn't really add weight to that thought. I would have to come to the conclusion that the race was either decent or Hillbilly Boy disappointed. He never looked to be travelling with the fluency shown at Beverley. Question marks never make good bets unless you are talking speculative prices and making a quick return could be taken as a positive and negative. I would be intrigued to learn what Turner had to say after that last race but I can imagine he was mystified. On his best performance, I like this good, strong colt. At the price it is probably safer to take a watching brief and learn a little more.
Majestic Jess showed good pace on debut but tired rapidly in the final two furlongs. In truth it seemed a strange race tactic. The stable are still awaiting their first winner after a large number of runners, which must be a thorn in Tom Dascombe's side. This juvenile may have claims if strongly fancied in the betting but needs to improve.
Unidexter has fair place claims if priced 13/2 & less but a tall order against those with experience.
The others are best watched.
Conclusion: Sign Of The Zodiac has a fine opportunity to win on his second start. There was much to like about his debut, a race that usually reveals plenty of winners. Hannon will be expecting to take this race before going on to better things. On balance he is the horse to beat. Hillbilly Boy could well be a danger - if at his best. However, there is a question mark about his last run. He is best watched but I'm still convinced this horse has ample ability.