An EBF maiden for colts & fillies over 6f on good to soft ground.
A selection of form horses with four debutantes. An open race.
One Kool Dude has been unlucky not to have scraped a win. With course experience Fahey's juvenile knows his way around here. This son of Iceman has enough ability to win a small race but his limitations have been exposed on each occasion. If the main opposition falter, he has claims but likely to find one too good.
Dandy Nicholls won this race last year with the talented debutante Magic Casement. Knight Vision is this year's representative, who showed ability at Windsor. That was probably a decent race with the winner and second going on to compete at Royal Ascot, and far from disgraced. Quite a cheap purchase at 10,000gns, this son of Haafhd is one for the short list. The softer ground conditions may make this more of a test of stamina, which may be a positive as he was struggling to go the pace at times. There is a concern that he may be outpaced in a similar manner, which could be a problem. In an open race Knight Vision is one of the more likely types but may need to improve a length or two, which he may well do.
Overpowered is interesting after being introduced in a fair maiden at York in May. A tall, athletic type, this son of Choisir travelled well for most and looked a major contender at the furlong pole, then tired and was to some extent eased at the finish. That was a decent race and this chestnut colt has claims. Paul Cole has a good win and place rate with his fancied runners on their second start, which is a positive. The difficulty is assessing this youngster's potential improvement from that start to this. If progressing a couple of lengths, he has to be a fair each way bet. On balance, Overpowered should run well in what looks an open affair. With the ground on the soft side, it is difficult to appreciate whether a low draw will be a negative or not. It is never ideal being drawn on the extreme. It is possible Eaves may take the bold move of going to the far side rail. With a relatively small field it may be wise to follow the pack and in this sense the draw may be a slight negative.
There has been good money for Kenny Powers, who is a half-brother to Hearts Of Fire. A 50,000gns purchase, this son of Vital Equine in many ways makes this race especially for those interested in betting each way with regard to those mentioned above. However, it is worth noting that Dascombe has been in great form with his juveniles and money talks with this stable. He is one of few trainers to feature a better win rate with his fancied juveniles on their debut than whose on their second start. This clearly indicates their youngsters are fit and ready. One of the major contenders.
Tim Easterby has to be respected with his juveniles at Ripon. Some of his most talented two-year-old colts and fillies have started their careers here, many winning on debut. This is something of an anomaly as in general Easterby has a poor strike rate with his debutantes but he has a great record here. Premier Choice cost 60,000gns and owned by the canny Jack Hansan & Sir Alex Ferguson. I would respect this runner.
Conclusion: Not the most straightforward race with a number of juveniles showing ability but needing to improve a length or two to make appeal. Knight Vision should be in the frame although may be struggling to go the pace before running on. If that was due to inexperience, this youngster could well be the horse to beat. It is a positive Nicholls won this race last year. Overpowered is a similar type. He is likely to travel well but whether he finds a great deal at the finish is a matter for debate. It is encouraging that Cole has a good win and place rate with his fancied juvenile on their second start. With being off course for a month he could return a fitter, stronger opponent. The draw isn't ideal. On balance, Overpowered has fair win and place claims. Kenny Powers is likely to make a bold show but not much value at those odds and experience could be his undoing. Premier Choice could continue Tim Easterby's fine record at the course although it would need to be a smart individual.
HCE: ''A convincing win by Overpowered. He went to his right leaving the stalls but travelled well over the final three furlongs, if not a little unbalanced on the undulations. He has the size and scope to progress. One Kool Dude managed another place effort and will get a win at some point but looks better suited to auction class. His second is a reflection that Knight Vision is limited to some extent. Kenny Powers dwelt and was settled at the rear, which gave him a mountain to climb. A fair looking juvenile, he is capable of much better and should be respected next time out. Premier Choice was heavily backed but got upset in the stalls and is likely to be better than this. Lady Caprice travelled well for a long way and is worth noting next time. She has recently been entered for a stakes race and if needing the run today could be a nice speculative bet,''