A restricted auction maiden over 5f.
Novalist has a decent chance today after something of a roller coaster career so far. After a satisfactory debut this gelding by Avonbridge unseated his rider at Catterick. Perhaps such misfortune disguised the initial promise shown by Bastiman's two-year-old as he was sent off a 100/1 shot on his next start at Ripon and redeemed himself with a faultless 3rd. That was a strong race for the level and Novalist has plenty of speed and should sit handy today. As long as he is on his best behaviour, a big run can be expected.
Nigel Tinkler has a capable string of two-year-olds this season and Saltergate has enough ability to win an auction race. Another gelding by Avonbridge, he has been a little unlucky. Running on like a train at Beverley on debut and then hampered at Redcar, when storming home once more, most would have thought a big run was on the cards at Carlisel but Saltergate ran no race at all. There must have been something amiss that day and after a short break connections will be hoping for a return to form. It is always difficult to back individuals after such a poor effort as this juvenile will be priced on his best form - and that can be a risky business. With course and distance experience, Tinkler will be hoping for a determined effort today and this gelding could be a strong finisher if back to his best.
Hawk Moth was outclassed by a decent two-year-old in Leiba Leiba at Yarmouth on debut when this son of Hawk Wing finished 3rd. On breeding you would imagine this bay colt would appreciate further but Spearing is a talented trainer and good at placing his horses. His youngsters feature good win and place statistics when fancied on their second start and even though the form doesn't look that strong there could be more to come.
Bonnie Millie has been backed on the exchanges, which is encouraging. Second string on debut, when hampered at the start, this filly by Compton Place doesn't make much appeal on form but it would be significant if fancied in the betting as Fahey has good win and place statistics with juveniles on their second start.
Of the debutantes, Katell is worth noting. D Arundale is a lucky owner with Stubbs and Saxford was a notable two-year-old for this stable. In general, Stubbs doesn't feature the greatest win rate on debut although they had a couple stoked-up last season. It is probably best to take a watching brief today unless well backed.
Other races:
3:10 Brighton
6:30 Yarmouth
6:50 Musselburgh
7:00 Yarmouth
7:20 Musselburgh
