Potentially a stronger maiden than seen of late and a couple of expensive juveniles taking their chance over this 5f on good ground. (1st May)
Of the form horses, Scarlett Rocks and Bunce re-oppose after a fair performance at Leicester. Evans' juvenile is a filly with lots of natural speed. She has run consistently on all her starts and on form should have a fighting chance. It is always slightly concerning when a juvenile has a number of races as at some point they are likely to regress. This has to be a point of concern although she has shown plenty of zest for racing so far.
Bunce went off favourite for the Leicester race and he looked to have a great chance until tiring in the final furlong. This son of Good Reward may have needed the race and if so could improve past Evans' Scarlett Rocks but that is a matter for debate.
Juveniles that compete in stakes events are always worth noting, and Lady Platinum Club ran better than her 50/1 sp behind the talented Bathwick Bear. Oldroyd is a capable trainer and Reg Bond is a notable owner. This filly ran on with some spirit that day and although it is difficult to assess the form (3rd Coconut Ice has been beaten narrowly since) this juvenile looks the sort to improve for that run.
It is worth noting that Foghorn Leghorn was quite fancied on debut at Newbury but became unruly in the stalls and was withdrawn. Peter Chapple-Hyam's two-year-old is likely to be backed again.
Of these making their debuts, Breathless Storm and Zaidan have excellent breeding.
Breathless Storm is owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, who certainly doesn't budget when she goes to the sales. Tate is the lucky recipient of a number of expensive two-year-olds (Cole has a number too) and this $300,000 son of Storm Cat must be a tantalizing prospect for this talented trainer. Tate has a fair place rate with all juveniles on debut but his string for Mrs Hay didn't show the greatest ability last year (although many looked more like 3yos). There is little doubt that one of these buys will hit the heights at some point and perhaps Breathless Storm will be the one. It is encouraging to see this youngster out so early in the season as connections may have Royal Ascot in mind. Time will tell whether this colt is a talent or not - but this juvenile catches the eye on breeding at least.
Zaidan is another expensive juvenile. This colt by Street Cry cost $200,000. Clive Brittain's two-year-olds are gradually coming to form, however, they still seem to be making hard work of winning on debut, often at short odds.
Of the rest, Tarantella Lady has been entered to run in a stakes race.
Other races:
1:45 Thirsk
5:10 Goodwood