A very restricted auction race over 5f for juveniles with a median sales price of no more than £12,000.
Quite an interesting event with a few form horses in search of their first win.
Defence Council is a fairly expensive son of Kheleyf at 55,000gns to slip into this grade. Not a bad looking colt and the type to run his race. Howard Johnson is good at placing his two-year-olds and showed he is capable of winning a race or two after a fair second here on debut. Dropped back to 5f at Carlisle, a win looked on the cards only for a determined effort by Honeymead, to catch him on the line. Another consistent run will be expected today and certainly a lively chance for a win.
Whisper Louise is a bonny filly and seemed to back to her best at Pontefract last time after an indifferent run at Newbury. Her debut effort certainly reads well with Master Macho a couple of lengths adrift and although the Pontefract race was a weak affair there was much to like about her performance. From a high draw, Sly's two-year-old had to run wide for most and pulled quite hard, so done well to finish the race with some purpose. The winner, Sonning Rose, is a talented juvenile and in fairness could have won by some way if not finding trouble in running. Dropping back to 5f may suit although you couldn't knock her performance last time. It may be to her benefit to be held up and finish her race rather than blaze a trail. Drawn 10 gives the option of racing either side if there is a bias, and it is would be wise to watch the earlier race (6:50 Ripon) to make sure there isn't a significant difference if they split. On her bets form, this daughter of Chevalier has each way claims.
A fantastic buy at only 3,000euros, Belle Bayardo is a handsome gelding and will be one of the best lookers in this field. Harris never rushes his two-year-olds and this son of Le Vie Dei Colori has progresses from two tardy starts on his initial racecourse experiences to run two fine races. Just losing out at Chepstow and then second favourite in a competitive auction at Sandown. That performance shown his level of ability but also his limitations. Belle Bayardo is a consistent type and you can pretty much guarantee he will run a race and must have place claims and a sneaky chance of a win. On form, he may fall a length or two short of the favourites, but they have to run their races,too. The wide draw in 17 may be a plus or minus. The earlier race will be informative on this point. If the high draw have an advantage, he would have very strong claims here.
Of the rest, Silent Blessing went off a well-backed favourite at Southwell but showed little and needs to find huge improvement.
Novalist, may slip under the radar after unseating his rider last time at Catterick. On debut, this colt ran on quite well and may be capable of better if on his best behaviour.
Hollyhocks has been entered to run at plating class, which doesn't inspire confidence.
Of the debutantes, Blaze Of Thunder must be respected as Richard Fahey has umpteen talented two-year-olds and will know if this son of Ad Valorem is capable of a big run today. A breeze-up purchase of £26,000, this colt should be fit and ready. Fahey features a good place rate with his fancied juveniles when making their racecourse bow. Money for this youngster would certainly be an encouraging sign.
Other races:
2:20 Hamilton
5:00 Ascot
7:40 Kempton