An EBF fillies' maiden over 6f on good to firm ground.
Four juveniles have raced - the majority debutantes.
Dare To Dream sets the standard after finishing second over course and distance. This daughter of Exceed And Excel cost 50,000gns and was relatively fancied on debut, when chasing home Switcher, who looks a talent. The form of that race is holding up quite well, although a little difficult to assess in ways. The third, Vassaria, ran quite well on her second start but done herself few favours by pulling for two furlongs. Hannon's representative certainly ran on with some purpose on her race course bow and must have fair win and place claims. If the debutantes are nothing special this will be a fine opportunity to get off the mark.
It is good to see Hidden Passion make a swift return after being pulled up at Kempton. Meehan's filly was all the rage that day and very well backed but may have knocked herself when leaving the stalls and there was something amiss in the first furlong and Martin Dwyer made the wise decision by easing out of contention when she lost her action. A fairly expensive purchase at $95,000. Owner Andrew Rosen has had many talented juveniles with Meehan over the years and a partnership to be respected. Once again, this daughter of Elusive Quality has been backed. Meehan has been quoted as saying this youngster is held in some regard. The stable's juveniles often improve for a run but generally show a level of ability if talented.It is worth noting she has been entered to run in a stakes race which bodes well. It is a concern that this filly was pulled up on her last start and a watching brief.
The stable's other representative, Proud Pearl, is well bred and cost $250,000 as a yearling. Pearl Bloodstock are owners to follow and they have been very successful over the past few seasons with a number of trainers. It is intriguing to consider whether Dwyer had the choice of rides. This information wasn't shown on the early declaration stage so it is something to consider. An entrant for the Moyglare (Group1) this juvenile is likely to be winning this season.
Mahkama, the third juvenile runner of the season for Saeed Bin Suroor, was backed to short prices on the exchanges last night but has eased a touch since. A $270,000 yearling purchase, and bred in the purple, this is one for the short list. This is Frankie Dettori's only ride of the day so he will be hopeful of a decent showing and this side of the Godolphin operation feature a higher strike rate with their debutantes which brings further encouragement. I find the Godolphin debutantes difficult to assess because they seem to go from one extreme to the other - either easy winners or the classic slow start and looking a rather forelorn hope. For that reason it will be a watching brief although they have the potential to win any race when a talent comes along.
Of the rest, Lady Gibraltar has been backed and Alan Jarvis' juveniles can improve a good deal for their initial start. When priced 13/2 & less on their second run, they feature fair win and place claims.
Mick Channon has been in very good form with his two year olds this season and Savanna Days was an expensive foal at 150,000gns. An entrant for the Moyglare (Group1), the dam a smart German Listed race winner, she may be better over further but should be respected with the stable in good form. Generally, Channon's debutante winners are quite fancied in the betting, so any weakness would be a negative. Certainly one to watch for the future.
Viola Damour is worth noting in the betting as Tom Dascombe has a good win rate at the course and has sent a number of talented two year olds to win here on debut. If priced 7/1 & less I would expect a big run.
Conclusion: Quite an open race with potentially a number of talented debutantes making their race course appearance. The betting will be the best guide to their respective chances. Mahkama is the most likely to be forward and Viola Damour would be of interest if backed to 7/1 & less. Dare To Dream sets the standard and must have fair win and place claims. She was quite fancied on debut, showed a level of ability, and likely to improve for that first start. Hidden passion is very interesting after being pulled up at Kempton. Backed as though a big run is expected my enthusiasm is slightly tempered by that incident.
HCE: ''A race worth reviewing a few times. Viola Damour continues Tom Dascombe's fine form with his two-year-old horses although this filly went off a 'seemingly' unfancied 20/1. Dascombe, talking on RUK, said they thought this was a tough race with a few expensive purchases in opposition and clearly this translated to the price of this juvenile (it proves the point how much this is a gambling stable). Clearly she didn't know the price and battled on well to hold Hidden Passion who showed her class after a faltering debut. Both of Meehan's youngsters (Proud Pearl 4th) will be winning soon. Lady Gibraltar stepped-up markedly on her debut and Dare To Dream showed some ability although struggled to go the pace at the two pole and looks rather one paced. ''
