An EBF maiden over 6f 3y on good to firm ground.
This looks a competitive race. Split in two divisions and this is the much stronger contest.
Apostle has progressed well since a disappointing favourite at Leicester on debut. A sturdy grey colt he has done nothing wrong on his last two races, and shows a battling attitude. He certainly sets the form standard and should run a big race. At present a 1/2f, he is hot property but there may be one or two juveniles with ability so it could pay to be careful if thinking this will be a walk in the park.
John Gosden has a great strike rate at Yarmouth. It has been a course where he has unveiled a number of highly talented juveniles over the years and Aim Higher is holding steady in the betting. This chestnut colt by Exceed And Excel cost 60,000gns as a yearling and half-brother to 1,000 Guineas third Super Sleuth. The betting is probably the best guide to this ones chances and if priced 13/2 & less has fair win and place claims.
Robert Mills is a talented trainer - just like his late father - and Invincible Dream is one for the short list. A son of Invincible Spirit, he was relatively fancied on debut at Salisbury and ran with great promise. The field seemed to go at a snail's pace for much of the way which brought traffic problems for a number and this bay colt held every chances until short of room in the final furlong, and eased before the line. It is encouraging that Mills has entered him for a stakes race and the stable's juveniles often improve for the run. This looks a decent race but I was left with the impression there was more to come and he could go well, especially if backed.
Hazaz may be capable of better that his debut run at Newmarket. Not a bad looking colt, he travelled well for much of the race and tired in the final furlong and wasn't pressed. It is worth noting that this son of Dubawi was second string on that occasion and this drop in distance will help. Presumably fit and ready, he could have fair each way claims at a price. It is a positive that he has been entered for the Gimcrack (Group 2). This could be something of a dark horse and one to respect.
Conclusion: Apostle sets the standard and could well be a tough nut to crack - but this could well be a competitive heat and I can imagine there would be easier races to win. Aim Higher will need to be quite a talented juvenile to win this race on debut. It is a plus that Gosden has such a good record at the course and it has been a favourite hunting ground for some truly talented youngster in the past. The betting will be the best guide. Invincible Dream ran in quite a competitive race at Salisbury and didn't have much luck but showed promise. The stable often go well with their juveniles on their second start and if backed would have fair win and place claims. Hazaz should be respected. He is much better than the bare form suggests and a recent Gimcrack (Group 2) entry could indicate a juvenile with ability.
HCE: ''There was plenty of money for Apostle - 1/3f. However, it wasn't as easy as many odds-on bakers would have liked with an improved performance from Hazaz, who was in determined mood with Robinson pressing right to the line. The two pulled clear of the debutante, Vital Gold. A decent race.''
