An EBF Novice Stakes over 5f 13y.
A mix of colts and fillies, predominantly debutantes, with three form horses, including a winner.
Dijarvo* made a pleasing debut for Tony Carroll. This filly by Iceman ran on with enthusiasm to win with something to spare. It is never easy to judge a winning performance because there could be a lot more to come. However, this could be a test. The main concern with the Wolverhampton form comes from the restrictive nature of the race. Make no mistake, it was very restricted with the majority of the field cheap purchases. The second placed, Queen Of The Hop, has been beaten with ease on her next start. I stated on the day that Dijarvo's first race may have been a seller in everything but name. It is still early days but it does bring concerns. The key point, is how easily did Dijarvo win? How much better was she compared to the others? Carroll's filly has not been hammered with a 2lb penalty but she does have to compete against bigger, stronger colts. An intriguing juveniles - with potential - but one I would rather watch than bet.
David Evans has done well with his juveniles this campaign. Choice Of Remark was fancied on debut but had little answer to the easy winner, Miss Work Of Art, who looks a fair prospect. The form of the Lingfield race looks fair with the fourth and fifth running well since. In fact, it was the Dancing Lord who left Queen Of The Hop standing at Folkestone, which brings some doubt about the performance of Dijarvo. Choice Of Remark looked quite straight, although will be better for the experience, which is a huge advantage against the debutantes. This chestnut colt by Choisir is likely to run well and must have place claims at least.
The Brocklesby Conditions Stakes looks to be a good source of winners. Mick Channon has a huge string of two-year-olds and Triggerlo has claims today. This son of Piccolo was a relatively cheap yearling at 9,000gns but he is a good-looking colt. After a slow start at Doncaster he was always on the back foot but made progress throughout the race. That experience will see him well today and with a better start will shows his true colours.
The debutantes have their work cut out against proven, experience opposition. However, it doesn't pay to be too dogmatic in Stakes races because it can often be a sign that trainers hold some hope for these entrants. Latte, trained by Linda Stubbs, was only a cheap buy but connections have done very well in previous years with the likes of Taurian, Pycian & even the modest Huxaar won at two. Generally, Stubbs' improve for the run and even with Fallon booked to ride, is probably best watched.
Another who might just go well at a price is Sonko. Tim Pitt knows how to train a two-year-old to win on debut.
An intriguing race.
*Dijarvo (NR)
HCE: ''A surpise package in The Penny Horse, trained by Stan Moore. There was stable confidence and backed from 20/1 - 12/1. Moore was interviewed on RUK and had little doubt the juvenile has ability although its share of temperament reading between the lines. Choice Of Remark and Triggerlo seemed to run their races. Latte showed good speed and quite an attractive juvenile.