A race split into two divisions over the straight 5f. (2:00/2:30 Southwell) (31st March)
Not the most impressive of fields with a selection of relatively cheap buys and trainers who struggle to win on debut. Richard Fahey runs Jamesway. If this bay colt (cost 40,000gns) has the ability of his brother Star Rover he will have a bright future. Fahey's juveniles can win on debut and most likely one of the favourites here.
Merjaan cost 70,000gns and bred by Cheveley park Stud. Clive Brittain has an impressive string of juveniles from Saeed Manana. Clearly he will have a number of talented two-year-olds, however, the few that have raced so far have looked inexperienced and they may need more time. Brittain had an impressive 2009 season and an unusual numer of winners on debut. Whether his string will be as talented or forward as last year is a matter of opinion. Southwell maidens are often limited affairs and even with these concerns Merjaan is one of the more interesting contenders.
Of the rest, Patrick Morris is an interesting trainer and capable of getting his two-year-olds primed for a big run on debut.
These early season maidens are very much a guessing game and until a few form lines appear it is best to let the horses do the talking. Jamesway and Merjaan stand out as potentially better types but just a watching brief today.
