Not bad prize money for this contest. A few of these come with big reputations. Charlie Appleby has a number of talented two-year-olds in this year's string and Salsabeel is high in the pecking order if my information is correct. This bay colt is a son of Exceed And Excel and homebred for Darley racing in the royal blue silks. As with all juveniles making their debut, it can be a difficult test. However, this February foal is held in high regard and expected to go well.
Jeremy Noseda has been quiet with his two-year-olds this season but he is a class trainer and capable of sending out a debut winner although they often fare better second start. Intrepidly is an American-bred son of Medaglia d' Oro racing in the familiar silks of The Honourable Earl Mack & T Hind Racing. This $200,000 yearling comes from a good family with expensive siblings. This is the only horse Noseda has sent to the course and only ride for Jamie Spencer. Those factors alone give the impression they mean business and add to the interest of this maiden.
Novoman represents William Haggas. This chestnut son of Sir Prancealot was relatively fancied on debut at Epsom when placed third. A slow start didn't help but it is worth noting that was at auction class which means this is in race type a step up in class. This 90,000G yearling purchase will need to do better today but has valuable race experience.
James Tate is a superb trainer and he can go very well with juveniles making their racecourse bow. In addition, I consider this Newmarket trainer sends his better horses to race at this venue. Law And Order is a bay colt sired by Lawman racing in the familiar silks of Saeed Manana. At 40,000G this juvenile is a relatively cheap purchase.
Conclusion: An intriguing race. Law And Order may have claims but I would be looking at just two colts here: Salsabeel & Intrepidly. The former, trained by Charlie Appleby, is held in high regard and for me the horse to beat. Whether 2/1 or so is value is another thing. Time may tell it is a fantastic price. Intrepidly is an expensive purchase and it catches the eye that it is the only horse sent to the course by Noseda and solitary ride for Spencer. I very much doubt they will be coming here just for the seaside air. It could well be a match between the two talking horses. I would favour Salsabeel.