A restricted auction race over this straight 5f.
Not a bad little race with a few juveniles who have shown ability.
Burgau Royal improved on his second start when ridden by Gannon, showing fair speed for most and only outpointed in the last half furlong by Dubai Set who was due a win after a number of consistent efforts. Channon's two-year-old is an attractive colt, deep-chested and compact. This step down to 5f may blunt his speed, however, he should have enough stamina to finish his race. An interesting runner.
Monsieur Joe has been off the track for three months, which may be a concern. Having run a promising race at Windsor on debut, running on in eye-catching fashion, he was made favourite at Ascot and to be fair ran well.Swinburn's juvenile hung in the latter stages that day and may have suffered from sore shins or injury with regard to that point. Swinburn has a very good strike rate with his fancied juvenile on their second start and that could indicate a big run today if this two-year-old is fit and well.
Bazsharani is an attractive black filly. She will certainly appreciate this drop back to 5f after travelling well for much of the way at Chepstow last time. It is interesting to note that Gannon is riding Burgau Royal when she has been riding Evans' juvenile on recent starts. I can see this filly running well but may struggle with a couple here. It certainly seems something of a negative that Gannon doesn't ride today.
I was quite keen on La Fortunata on a couple of her early runs as she looked to have bags of speed and ideal for 5f but her last couple of races give the impressive she is regressing and one to watch for me. Today will be make or break - but I get the feeling the latter is the more likely although I hope she returns to form as she has ability at best. In addition, Jenkins' filly is small and will look quite weak against a few of these colts.
This looks out of Burgau Royal and Monsieur Joe. Channon's juvenile is clearly in form and will run a big race today. Monsieur Joe has the potential to be a classy juvenile, especially if all was not well at Ascot when still putting up a sterling effort. The layoff is a concern although Swinburn wouldn't be one to push his youngster if not ready.
A watching race.
Burgau Royal (NR)
Race review: 'A comfortable win for Monsieur Joe who may go on to better things from here. With the withdrawal of Burgau Royal this was a weakened affair. La Fortunata and Bazsharani disappointed. This race may not have taken much winning but Swinburn's juvenile could only win.'