A restricted median auction over 5f on the turning course where a high draw can be an advantage.
Not the most competitive of heats.
Button Moon sets the standard and even with a low draw must hold every chance of taking this race. Woods is a talented trainer and is very good at placing his juveniles. This athletic filly ran a fine race on debut when behind Dinkum Diamond (went on to win the Listed National Stakes at Sandown) and beaten just over a length by Foghorn Leghorn. That is a fair measure of ability for this level and this daughter of Compton Place probably improved for the experience when second at Carlisle. Costing 38,000gns and half-sister to Etlaala, it is only time before a victory comes her way. The draw is far from ideal and could be problem. With pace and experience, it is likely Woods will instruct Thomas to go to the front, with a number of debutantes and others with limited ability.
David Elsworth has trained many a talented juvenile in his career and he unearthed another potential gem in the shape of Swiss Dream over the weekend. Cold Secret, a chestnut colt by Iceman, has been backed on the exchanges and will go off one of the leading fancies for this. A relatively cheap foal at 2,500gns he was re-sold for 60,000gns and half-brother to Theymistim (trained by Linda Stubbs and winner on debut). Much better drawn in stall 9 this youngster may be forward enough to put down a big performance although Elsworth doesn't have an impressive win rate on debut. On a turning course, and more than likely needing the experience, I would much rather watch this two-year-old today.
The Thrill Is Gone showed ability of debut when a 50/1 shot. In ways that form has taken a few knocks but Channon's two-year-old looked to have the possibility to improve from that debut. She fell into a strong race at Sandown and in retrospect had a stiff task but gave an indifferent performance - never involved and looked regressive. Perhaps this lower level will see a better run although it may be the case her 50/1 price on debut is a reflection that this filly is limited. One to give the benefit of the doubt with a high draw but most definitely a watching brief today.
Of the rest, My Mate Al showed speed at Wolverhampton in a poor race. He will probably be another to make a bold bid from a low draw but may struggle to last to last the line.
Excello may have a glimmer of hope at a price.
Other races:
3:45 Nottingham
6:40 Ripon
7:20 Kempton
7:50 Kempton
