A restricted auction race over this quick 5f where a high draw can be advantageous.
Cathedral Spires sets a fair standard over 6f but it begs the question how this gelding will fare over this minimum trip. Howard Johnson's youngster has shown speed, however, it is never quite as easy to drop in distance and may slightly struggle for pace but will certainly be running on at the line if maintaining a handy position. One of the more likely types but this quick 5f doesn't look ideal.
Linda Stubbs is a talented trainer and there is much to like about Ice Trooper, who is all speed. This gelding by Iceman ran well over 5f at Beverley when fancied to run a big race but bumped into the talented Ladies Are Forever. At Redcar he once again showed good speed to lead for 5f and tired in the final furlong in a race that has worked out very well. There is little doubt Ice Trooper has the pace to lead most of these a merry dance. The downside to such positives could be the draw. Stall 1 is far from ideal as the pace is often on the rail and runners on the extreme can find themselves off the pace or alternatively try to get a handy position and use too much energy in the early stages only to tire at the finish. I can imagine Stubbs will want to use this two-year-olds pace and it will be a matter of lasting to the line. A strong candidate with a higher draw but stall 1 tempers the enthusiasm.
Mrs Ann Duffield has done well with her two-year-olds this season, with a number running well on debut. Indieslad is fancied in the betting and it is encouraging to see Seb Sanders booked to ride. It is never easy for a debutante to win on debut especially over a quick 5f where experience is invaluable. Duffield has fair place claims with her fancied runners on debut and with a good draw could run a decent race.
Pinapple Pete is a rare runner for Paul Cole at Thirsk and Hanagan looks a significant booking. This bay gelding by Compton Place was quite fancied on debut at Windsor but ran no race at all. The betting will be the best guide to this ones chance and if well backed I would anticipate a big run.
Ed McMahon should always be respected and Look Who's Kool comes from a family that usually win a race or two.
Other races:
2:10 Ascot
2:35 Thirsk
2:45 Ascot
6:20 Chepstow
6:40 Newmarket
7:00 York
7:10 Newmarket
