A maiden race for colts and geldings over 6f with nearly £10,000 to the winner.
No outstanding form horse on show but a few with potential for better and one or two debutantes of interest.
Mark Johnston's two-year-olds have finally hit form and plenty of winners should come his way over the next few weeks. Golden Hinde ran well on debut, when beaten by the more experienced Next Edition at Redcar over 7f. An attractive bay colt by Red Ransom and 95,000gns yearling, this youngster is stepping down a furlong after showing fair speed on his initial start. With a Champagne Stakes (Group 2) entry it could be the case the stable fancy an improved performance today. Not the easiest of horses to asses, but fancied on the exchanges, and a gut feeling a big run will be forthcoming.
Pabusar is an interesting representative for Beckett, after being well backed for debut at Ffos Las at the end of May. Nothing much went right for him that day with getting unsettled in the stalls and a slow start - giving the impression everything was happening too quickly. A sturdy-looking gelding by Oasis Dream, it speaks well that connections are opting for a race at Goodwood for their next start and a more professional display will be seen today.
Richard Hannon had six horses entered to run in this race and of the raced Welsh Dancer is on a recovery mission after failing to show anything at Newbury last time over 7f, when there must have been something amiss. There was much to like about the way this son of Dubawi finished his race at Ascot on debut - running on well at the finish as if this 6f would be ideal. On that form, Welsh Dancer would come here with a favourites chance but the disappointment at Newbury leaves a question mark. Clearly it is encouraging that Hannon decides to take this race rather than an easier option and it would be a good sign if this juvenile was backed.
Straight Line has run creditably on all outings from 5 - 7 furlongs and deserves to win a small race. Although one of the main fancies in the betting, I think Jarvis' two-year-old will struggle to win.
Of the debutantes Big Issue looks set to go off favourite. A breeze-up purchase at £140,000, Hannon has a wealth of two-year-olds who could have gone for this. Many of their expensive buys are primed to run a big race on debut and in a maiden where those with experience have something to prove many a punter will be favouring Big Issue. The betting is usually the best guide to individual chances and any weakness near the off could be a negative. At a short price a juvenile I would rather watch than bet.
Macho's Magic is worth a mention as Nicholls has a pretty fair place rate on debut with his two-year-olds and at a price could sneak into the frame.
A difficult race to asses with a number of potential improvers. With nearly £10,000 to the winner it is likely there will be a couple of talented juveniles within this field and it doesn't look a straight forward contest. Golden Hinde looks the type to run well and it will be interesting to see if Welsh Dancer can return to form.
Other races:
2:00 Beverley
4:00 Goodwood
4:15 Beverley
