An EBF maiden for colts and fillies over 5f.
A selection of form horses on a recovery mission with beaten favourites aplenty.
Good Morning Dubai has shown ability on her three starts but seems to be making hard work of winning. From front running tactics to being held up last time at Warwick this daughter of Dubawi is a decent looker although has a slightly scratchy action. Meehan is a rare visitor to Beverley and once again Good Morning Dubai will be fancied to run a big race. It will be interesting to see which tactics are employed today. One for the shortlist but may be vulnerable over this more testing course.
Ahtoug, trained by Mahmhood Al Zarooni, is an attractive colt and travelled like a dream on debut when narrowly beaten. After that initial run a win at Newcastle looked to be a realistic hope but this two-year-old foundered to finish 3rd. The form of that race has taken a few knocks since and there are a few questions needing answers. A low draw (1) is not ideal and the drop back to 5f may bring about improvement or consequently this son of Byron may be run off his feet. This youngster has something to prove and connections will be running out of chances if he suffers another loss. A juvenile I would rather watch today.
Geoff Oldroyd has been in flying form this season and his connection with Reg Bond has reaped rewards. Lady Royale is becoming frustrating and after a narrow loss in the Hilary Needler they must be rueing that loss because this chestnut filly has struggled since. The last effort at Newacstle was poor and it may have been due to the cheek pieces, however, you would have to be brave to pin your hopes on a return to form with their removal. Lady Royale ideally needs a race run at a frantic pace as she is a resolute galloper and trundles on at a similar speed while other's tire. Having run well at Beverley on previous occasions, a return to the course may bring about a return to form although she may have regressed and not one I would chance today.
One two-year-old who could run well at a price is Ice Trooper. Having been beaten by Lady Royale on two occasions gives the impression this gelding by Iceman has a lot on his plate to reverse the form - but he may do just that. Having needed the run on debut he ran a good race second time at Beverley when showing good speed before being outpaced by Ladies Are Forever. That is a class filly, as shown by her narrow defeat in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot, and it could be the case that Stubbs' two-year-old has a chance here. At Redcar, last time, he showed a good turn of foot and had most of his rivals on the ropes at 5f. This drop back to the minimum distance and the allowance for Sullivan in the saddle (who rode a fine race before) could bring about a bold show at a price. (NR)
Close To The Edge ran in a strong contest at York and showed promise on debut. Wainwright has trained a few decent two-year-olds (Loch Jipp) but only has a small string. It is difficult to know if this filly by Iffraaj, a breeze-up purchase for £30,000, was slightly flattered by her proximity to the leaders or whether she has some ability. Worth watching today.
Of the debutantes, El Viento has to be respected from the Richard Fahey stable, who keep churning out the winners. The betting is the best indicator of ability and if backed must be respected.
Other races:
2:10 Beverley
2:30 Leicester (seller)
7:10 Nottingham
7:25 Carlisle