A maiden over 7f consisting of a field of colts & geldings.
It will be interesting to see how Dubawi Phantom, Deauville Post and My Red Kite fare considering there was little between the three when they ran at Salisbury. My Red Kite seemed to have a mighty lead but the pair closed at the finish with Deauville Post probably going the best at the line. It is difficult to know what to make of Dubawi Phantom's second at Newmarket when narrowly losing out to Missionaire. The quandary is whether Simcock's juvenile improved on that occasion. In ways I have to imagine this was a better performance than Salisbury but I wouldn't like to guarantee it. These three juveniles are difficult to assess themselves let alone before considering the rest of the field.
Yarra River ran well on debut at Windsor and will appreciate this 7f. The winner of that race, Lucky General, is a very talented horse and the third Dubai Set has run very well since. Balding's juveniles have a very good win and place rate on their second start and for that reason much be respected. This colt has been entered for a number of Stakes races since, which adds to the likihood of ability and the stable have been in very good form of late. To a certain extent Yarra River is still unproven, which is always a concern. On balance, I would think this juvenile will run a decent race.
Sea Lord is one of the more likely debutantes. It is worth noting that this son of Cape Cross has been entered for the Gimcrack Group 2 (one of five juveniles for the trainer) and this is an encouraging sign. Johnston has a fair win rate on debut although far from impressive. On this wayward, turning course experience and often front-running tactics can be an advantage. The jury is out whether this colt will be forward enough to do just that.
A tricky race in ways. The form of Dubawi Phanton, Deauville Post and My Red Kite is difficult to assess. It revolves around whether Dubawi Phantom improved or not for his Newmarket second. Simcock's juvenile seemed to run his race at Salisbury so it really is a puzzler. Of the unraced, Sea Lord is certainly one to note.
A watching race.
Saint Thomas (NR)
Race review: Dubawi Phantom proved the better of the Salisbury runners and won by a length or so. Sea Lord is a big horse and will improve for the experience, but in truth ran a very good race on debut. Yarra River once again showed ability to take third. Probably no more that an average maiden.'