A maiden for colts and one filly over 6f on good ground.
Not too much form to go on and many of the unraced don't appeal. Opus Dei ran in a strange race at Newcastle, finishing third. It is difficult to know whether there was a track bias that day as those running down the centre of the course, of which McCabe's runner was one, seemed to have a healthy advantage over those on the far side rail. It is difficult to know what this colt by Oasis Dream achieved. A big price on debut and a strangely-run race, I would be careful with this juvenile.
Excellent Guest is a big, strong colt and certainly has scope to improve from his debut at Yarmouth. The form of that race isn't particularly strong and Margarson's juvenile needs to progress to take a race like this. It is encouraging that his capable trainer went for a stakes race on debut and it has been noted that connections are keen on this one. No doubt a better run will be seen today and he could go well.
Brian Meehan is a very talented trainer and all of his juveniles should be given a good review on their second start as he has tremendous statistics. This colt cost 80,000eur and was slowly away on debut, showing up well for a time, before fading in the final furlong. Meehan's juveniles can improve amazingly for their first run and at big odds it may be worth anticipating a gamble. Money would be a very good sign. An interesting horse.
Of the rest, Black Snowflake cost 370,000usd. Saeed Bin Suroor's juveniles don't fill me with confidence on their debut and often improve a good deal for the experience. It is a lottery whether they run a race and reason why I wouldn't be interested today.
Cape D'Or cost 100,00gns and a recent purchase at the breeze-up sales. It is noticeable that Hannon has his more expensive types ready to run big races on debut this year and this one could well be primed for debut. The betting will detail its chances.
Quite an open race. Public Service is of interest if backed and Excellent Guest must have place chances.
A watching race.
Race review: 'A race full of drama with Black Snowflake causing problems hampering many by hanging left in the closing stages. Extreme Warrior, the easy winner, was free to cruise up the outside and was more fortunate than Cape D'Or who was stopped point blank and had no chance thereafter. Opus Dei disappointed and there was no money for Meehan's Public Service who didn't attain much either. A messy race.'
