An intriguing auction race for colts and fillies over 5f.
A number of these have shown an element of ability and then indifferent form, which adds confusion to the mix.
Gower Sophia has run a couple of decent races but looked to be regressing with her last performance at Redcar. Brittain's filly is very small and on the weak side, too. I couldn't back her after that last disappointing effort.
Mal And Dave is a big, strong colt and will probably be the best looker in here. He showed an element of ability on each run but things hadn't gone his way and reason why he slipped into a claiming race unnoticed and would have been a very good win without the surprise package of Midget winning the day. Nicholls' two-year-old will probably run a big race and has the speed to have most of these struggling early. This race should be better than a claimer and it is still slightly difficult to know what he has achieved.
Goodbye Earl is a funny-looking horse - big and lumbering, which doesn't really inspire confidence. His second to Strike Shot doesn't read well, as Muir's winner that day has proven limited on his next start. I would be surprised if Goodbye Earl won this as he looks the kind of horse who will find one too good.
Of the form horses I would side with Pepper Lane. She has run a couple of decent races and out of these looks the most consistent. The run behind Capercaillie makes her look much worse that she is because that was a very good race.
Of the unarced Schoolboy Champ is an interesting runner having been entered to run in the Brocklesby (many moons ago) and another stakes race. At big odds this colt by Trade Fair may be worth a few quid each way.
An interesting race where a few have something to prove.
Bet: 1PT EW PEPPER LANE (AVIALABLE AT 4/1) (7th)
Gower Sophia (NR)
Nabrina (NR)
Race Review: 'Two non runners changed the complexion of this race. Schoolboy Champ ran well on debut and won with a bit of style. A decent-looking colt the encouraging signs of stakes races indicated some hope and he could go on. Mal And Dave showed his normal speed but isn't the greatest juvenile and probably needs to be dropped in class. Gentle Beat showed more this time. Pepper Lane has clearly regressed and ran a very disappointing race as did Goodbye Earl. A very disappointing tip.'
