Dominate, trained by Richard Hannon, ran in a pretty hot race on debut at Windsor. After being squeezed out at the start, this son of Assertive had a tall order on his hooves but made good progress to chase a tidy winner in King Dragon. There was certainly enough promise shown that day to suggest a win will be coming sooner rather than later. Dropping back to 5f brings slight concern but this bay colt is bred to be fast. The mare was unbeaten in three starts for the stable so they know the family.
Red Explorer is expected to run a big race. An expensive breeze-up purchase at 130,000gns, this bay colt by Henrythenavigator was made favourite on debut. The third has since won and the form, although nothing out of the ordinary, is fair. With experience over this minimum trip, tested on soft ground, these factors are a great starting point. The owner's juveniles often improve a good deal for their initial start and I would expect an big run. This is Michael Hills' only ride at the track. (I know people often think that old chestnut is a waste of breath. However, I never say anything for the fun of it and know for a fact Hills doesn't waste his time.) I would be surprised if this youngster is not in the first two.
Ron Harris is a canny old stick and I have little doubt he rates Starlight Angel. The only filly in the field, this daughter of Dark Angel, was pretty straight on her debut at Chester and done little wrong when chasing home Botanic Garden. In truth, that was an ordinary performance but creditable on that idiosyncratic course. After failing to show a great deal in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) this lower grade is more appealing. A tough call against the colts but a horse who can win in her two-year-old campaign.
The betting suggests Colourist will improve for the run. Worthy of note if substantially backed.
Mullit faced a stiff test when making his debut at Stakes class. He was relatively fancied but after a slow start was outpaced. That initial entry could well prove to be significant and money talks with this stable. If backed it would bring more confidence.
Hats Off has left me scratching my head after a couple of horrendous performances. This son of Royal Applause is a good-looking colt. Best has stated this juveniles has shown a lot more ability at home than on course and after a lengthy break could show a glimmer of promise. It is interesting connections take this route rather than a nursery because he would probably be much better off in the weights. I am still sticking to my guns that this colt will win a race. If available at huge odds on the exchanges, he may be worth a few quid.
Conclusion: A tricky race in ways. A few of these have enough ability to win a race so it may not be a straightforward task for Dominate although a leading chance. Red Explorer will run a big race. If available at each way prices (unlikely) he is worth a bet. I would be surprised if Hills youngster isn't in the first two. Starlight Angel is a fair sort but may struggle with one or two of the colts. Hats Off is a difficult horse to assess. The type to follow over a cliff? However, at huge odds he may be a surprise package. He will either be first or last! Thanks for supporting High Class Equine (HCE).