An EBF maiden stakes over 6f on good to firm ground.
The betting suggests not too many will get involved.
Trumpet Major looks a good buy at 20,000euros. Racing in the familiar silks of John Manley, this bay colt by American sire Arakan was sent off favourite for a sizeable field at Newbury. After losing his place early, Hughes was always slightly on the back foot but this attractive colt stuck on in determined style with a little encouragement and all but managed a win in a three-way photo-finish. That was probably a fair contest although there are no real form lines to make an assessment so it pays to be careful. However, there was much encouragement to be gained from that perfomance and another big run should be expected. His battling qualities at the finish could hold him in good stead.
Even though Trumpet Major was nearly first in the Newbury race and Macdonald Mor was almost last it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see Cole's juvenile run a much better race today. Mrs Fitri Hay paid 110,000gns for this bay colt by Dansili out of a very smart mare Imperial Beauty who went on to win the Prix de l´Abbaye. He was fancied in the betting on debut, raced quite prominantly, and for a moment or two looked to be going like a winner - then dropped back like he had been shot. Cole has done well with his juveniles this season and I can remember a number of his juveniles running superb races on their second start at speculative odds. If this youngster is backed and priced 13/2 & less I would expect a big run. Even without support it may be a mistake to give up on the expensive purchase just yet.
Most of the opposition looks unfancied. William Buick rides Maroosh for Brian Meehan but this wasn't his ride at the earlier declaration stage, which now takes no part. I would favour Right To Dream over this juvenile although it would be a surprise to see either trouble the favourite.
Conclusion: This looks a prime opportunity for Trumpet Major to win. However, at specualtive odds - although chancing your arm - it may be worth a few quid on Macdonald Mor.
HCE: ''This was a two-horse race in the betting - and so it proved in the race. Macdonald Mor was quite well backed and connections clearly expected a big run after a poor debut, which seemingly gave little hope against the odds on favourite. The betting told the story and coming into the final two furlongs Macdonald Mor seemed to be going well when passing Trumpet Major. However, Dane O'Neill must have been smiling to himself as no sooner had he been headed this talented colt swooped past. Both ran fair races.''
