Gower Sophia ran a sound race on debut at huge odds and must have a fighting chance of going one better in this restricted maiden auction for fillies. It is slightly concerning to see her racing from a high draw, as the speed will undoubtedly be down the rail. In addition, she may appreciate a stiffer track as she took some time to get going at Beverley. Mel Brittain won this race last year with Caranbola – a talented juvenile.
Prettiest Star is a contender from the Kevin Ryan stable. It is interesting to note that Paul Mulrennan was originally booked to ride another Ryan juvenile (Mary Celest) in this race. This may be a negative.
Bebenine has a fighting chance of reversing the placing with the Reel Credit Crunch. A robust filly, she wasn’t knocked about on debut and travelled well until tiring in the final furlong. However, it is again concerning that Kelly Harrison is riding the Haslam-trained Bachelor Girl if she had the choice of rides.
Tom Eaves takes the ride on Sheka who ran a fair race after an incredibly slow start at Ripon last time. The first three home that day look to be decent juveniles and Sheka certainly has a chance of improvement if starting on equal terms. I am not totally sure what to make of the booking of Tom Eaves, as the five-day declarations suggested this was originally Patrick Mathers mount. (He’s now riding Tagula Pearl in the 5:40 at Haydock.) It is difficult to know whether this is a positive or negative.
Kaspirit has been entered to run in a selling race so may be limited.
A watching race.
Victorian Art (NR)
Avec Moi (NR)
Bachelor Girl (NR)
Kaspirit (NR)
Another Sold (NR)
Race review: 'A number of non-runners changed the complexion of this race - but it was still eventful. Gower Sophia, Bebenine & Reel Credit Crunch led while many of the juveniles making their debuts struggled to go the pace. Just as Gower Sophia had beaten her early rivals Sheka began to make a challenge on the rail. This filly seemed to take a good while to go forward although always looking likely to prevail. However, Forbidden Paradise, who was comprehensively outpaced through inexperience, finished like a train and would have won with another stride. This may prove to be a modest contest. Karl Burke's Forbidden Paradise is the one to take from this.'
