The Bridget Swire Memorial Maiden Stakes over 6f for colts & fillies.
Good prize money on offer for a race that often finds a talented horse.
Avon Pearl is likely to improve a good deal from his debut at Leicester. A big, strong colt by Avonbridge he cost £52,000 at the sales and owned by Pearl Bloodstock who are a smart outfit. That was no more than a fair performance at Leicester, however, Candy's youngsters are usually primed for a big run on their second start and he features a 30% strike rate at Salisbury over recent years. If this chestnut colt drifted in the betting to an each way price it would be a great bet. I would certainly give it as a tip at 4/1 but sadly that is unlikely to happen. A big run is on the cards.
The betting is probably the best indicator to the chances of Harbour Watch. Hannon has a fair win and place rate at the course and it is always a positive to see Hughes in the saddle. The stable debutantes are never easy to assess and can be rather hit and miss. A watching brief.
Yammos has been well backed on the exchanges. After showing limited ability on debut this gelding ran with more encouragement when an outsider at Brighton. On balance that was probably no more that a fair effort, although the winner has run creditably at stakes level. In what looks to be a weakish race, connections may feel they have place claims and hope to sneak a win. There may be one or two better.
Solfilia may go well at a price. This daughter of Teofilo didn't show much promise at Kempton on debut and needs to improve but Hughie Morrison's two-year-olds often progress with racing. The majority of his early-season juveniles go on to win, which brings further hope. The most interesting factor is that the stable pinpoint this race because it is in the memory of the late Bridget Squires. In fact, this filly is part owned by the exors and although looking a tall order to make an impression here it wouldn't be a surprise to see a better effort.
Of the others, Opera Buff is worthy of note but may need the run. Sylvester Kirk often sends his better juveniles to Salisbury.
Conclusion: Avon Pearl has sound win and place claims and the focus of my attention. If drifting to an each way price would be a great bet. Yammos has place claims and Solfilia could hold a fighting chance at speculative odds.
HCE: ''Harbour Watched proved a class apart from the rest of the field and won in style. Avon Pearl travelled well for most but was no match for the winner although the softening ground may have blunted his speed. Yammos ran on to take third.''
