An EBF Maiden for colts and fillies on good to soft ground.
Drummoyne is an attractive colt by Street Cry. After a slow start at Musselburgh on debut, he showed some promise at Goodwood, a race which has been franked by a number of horses. Why Johnston's representative has not been seen since early May is a concern. Perhaps this juvenile suffered an injury or had a growing spurt. This doesn't look the strongest race, with a few of the principles having questions to answer after indifferent performances of late. A wide draw isn't ideal. However, De Sousa is likely to press on so it may not be too much of a problem if sitting in a handy position at the first bend. In many ways this bay colt is the one to beat but with time off course you have to trust all is well.
Blue Shoes is another runner on something of a recovery mission. She has shown an element of ability, and a determined attitude but clearly there was something amiss last time at Redcar, where she simply didn't fire. I fancied her that day to have strong place claims but Easterby's youngster was struggling from some way out. With over fifty days off course she must have sustained an injury and if back to her best would have fair win and place claims.
James Given has been quiet this season with his two-year-old but he seemed in a positive mood when talking about the potential of Stormy Whatever when making his debut at Catterick. His trainer said this 40,000euro breeze-up purchase had been for a racecourse gallop and that he was held in some regard.To be fair, that looked a pretty weak race with the two favourites either running no race or more likely just limited. This son of Stormy River is an attractive colt who could progress with racing and has claims. It is worth noting that Givens has poor win and place statistics with his fancied juveniles on their second start, which doesn't inspire confidence.
Of the rest Siberian Belle isn't fancied in the betting. However, it is interesting that Hanagan takes the ride and could go well if priced 13/2 & less.
Conclusion: Drommyne and Blue Shoes set the standard but both need to return in good heart after lengthy spells off course. If the latter, trained by Tim Easterby, is back to her best, she has fair win and place claims. Stormy Whatever shaped with promise on debut and Given's seemed pretty keen on this juvenile, so worth noting. It is discouraging that he features such a poor win and place rate with his fancied juveniles on their second start. An open race with lots of ifs and buts.
HCE: ''Stormy Whatever defied the statistics with a tidy win. A juvenile with size and scope to progress, Givens must be pleased with this winner and he could well go on to better things. Blue Shoes come back to form but couldn't compete against this big, strong colt, who made her look quite small. She may win a small race but always vulnerable. Indego Blues was backed and travelled well around the bend but tired near the finish.''
