A maiden over 5f where a high draw can be a distinct advantage.
A large field for this and a number of form horses on show, none outstanding but a few capable juveniles.
My Mandy is a decent two-year-old at best but this low draw will make life very difficult here.
Secret Millionaire ran well on debut and looked like winning until caught on the line. This gelding was a short price to win after a long layoff here last time but didn't live up to expectations. This Morris-trained youngster wasn't keen going to post or entering the stalls and looks somewhat temperamental. Although not badly drawn, this juvenile may be regressing and it could pay to see how he takes this race rather than jumping in.
So Bazaar is stepping down from 7f to 5f and you have to figure this juvenile will struggle to go the pace. Swinbank generally does well at Newcastle and that performance must have been a disappointment. A difficult horse to asses and one I would rather watch.
Dubawi Heights has run twice and this looks a drop in class. I get the feeling Callaghan was quite keen on this runner although her performance so far has been rather limited. The key to this yard is money and if backed I would take note. You always have to be slightly concerned that the handicap route will be taken which makes this third run all the more perplexing.
Take Ten is a big, strong juvenile and ran well at Bath although always struggling to keep tabs on the easy winner that day. That may turn out to be a fair race, if the third ran her race it most certainly was. I would be concerned that Johnston's juvenile may be outpaced and run on at the finish. It generally pays to be up with the pace at Thirsk so that could hinder his chances.
All in all this looks a pretty crazy race with a number having something to prove after disappointing. I would have to go with a high draw and experience. I can't say I have any particular fancy although looking forward to the race.
A watching race.
My Mandy (NR)
Secret Millionaire (NR)
Dubawi Heights (NR)
Race review:'A couple of significant non runners rather made this a race you didn't want to bet with 40p deductions. Bronze Beau had shown ability and suffered by going much too fast at Hamilton last time. Clearly the layoff and this quick 5f help bring about a decent run and it took until late in the final furlong for Take Ten to win. These two had the rest a few lengths behind although Durham Express showed a glimmer of ability. Probably no more than an average race. Bronze Beau has a limited amount of ability and needs a quick 5f to have any hope of winning.'