1:45 Newmarket
Decent prize money for this maiden over 6f (£5,181).
Potentially a number of decent juveniles but horses with questions to answer. Desert Law is held in high regard by the Balding stable. A handsome son of Oasis Dream out of the talented Speed Cop, this will be a prime opportunity for this two-year-old to shine after competing at Group level last time. Desert Law could win this race with ease, however, this bay colt hasn't proven anything beyond average form at present. His second on debut, beating Barking by a few lengths, means he has claims to win a maiden although at present this horse is difficult to assess - so a juvenile full of promise but today will highlight the level of ability this youngster possesses.
Jinky has been in good form and a durable type - certainly a battler, which is always a positive. However, this son of Noverre is probably no more than a fair horse, as seen with his second to Enthusing. Channon's representative (who has done well with Hughes in the saddle of late) has a fighting chance but may find one too good.
Question Time is another juvenile to have raced at a fair level, and showed ability when 4th in a Stakes race last time. Quite a compact filly, it is debatable whether this 6f will be a positive or a negative. Chapple-Hyam's runner has similar strengths and weaknesses as the other two juveniles noted - that they set a level of ability but it is difficult to get an exact handle on what they may achieve.
Loving Thought ran well enough on debut at Kempton and this drop back to 6f will probably help her cause. Celani finished second that day and was subsequently beaten a long way next start which tempers enthusiasm. It might be the case that was a strong maiden and time will tell on that point. Cecil is always a trainer to be respected and it is encouraging that this daughter of Oasis Dream was fancied that day and if well backed may run a much improved race.
The most interesting horse in the race for me is Lamasaas, trained by Barry Hills. A beaten favourite on both starts - this $230,000 purchase looks disappointing and may well continue to prove an expensive failure. However, there is little doubt that this colt by Henny Hughes has at some stage been held in high regard by the Hills' team, as indicated by multiple Group entries. Today there can be no excuses - and what you see is what you get. His debut was far from a poor run, after missing the break and although looking a little awkward and inexperienced there may be more to come. On his second run at Pontefract he pulled much too hard and it could be the case he ruined his chances that day. At a price this youngster may have a hope.
A difficult race to come to any strong conclusions with a number of horses with possibilities but no guarantees. Intriguing.
2:20 Newmarket
Not much of a price but El Muqbil will be a tough nut to crack. If one of the debutantes can lower his colours on their first run it would be a classy effort (unlikely).
2:35 Redcar
William Haggis doesn't venture to Redcar very often and Map Of Heaven catches the eye. This full-sister to Enticing didn't seemingly achieve a great deal on debut but there could be more to come today. That may turn out to be a decent maiden, the third has run a big race since, and Haggis' filly was inconvenienced by being slow into her running at Newbury and should improve for that debut.
3:45 Redcar
Glencadam Gold ran well on debut when second string to the stable's talented Specific Gravity. It is possible the soft ground exaggerated the winning distance. However, to beat Halfsin and Audacious (two talented juveniles) was a sparkling effort at Nottingham.
Today's races:
1:45 Newmarket
2:00 Redcar
2:20 Newmarket
2:35 Redcar
2:55 Newmarket
3:10 Redcar
3:45 Redcar
6:10 Wolverhampton
6:40 Wolverhampton
7:10 Wolverhampton
7:40 Wolverhampton
