A Median Maiden Auction for colts and fillies over 6f on good to soft ground.
An open contest.
Richard Fahey fields three juveniles for this race which he won last year with Common Touch. It would seem that Dutch Heritage and Sunny Side Up are here to make up the numbers, while Lady Loch, ridden by Paul Hanagan, sets his sights on a winning chance. Whether this daughter of Dutch Art, a £24,000 breeze-up purchase, has the class to beat a number of experienced juveniles is an interesting question. However, I would consider this half-sister to Credit Swap has a leading chance. It is never easy to win on debut but Fahey is one of very few trainers who attains impressive win and place statistics with his fancied debutantes and they are usually primed for a big run.
There is a selection of form horses, which make this quite an intriguing race.
Choisan is a stocky colt, who has done little wrong in three starts. His last performance was probably his best, although it may pay to be slightly careful with this juvenile. Easterby's youngster has an element of ability and this 6f is certainly more suiting than 5f but he is an out and out galloper rather than a speed horse. His last run over course and distance was a slightly misleading race as the front two - to some extent - tired in the final furlong, while the pack - including Choisan - ran on at the same pace. Ideally, this son of Choisir needs a strongly run race. He is definitely a juvenile which needs things to fall right to win, which is never a plus. Choisan has place claims but likely to struggle to keep tabs with the more speedy types in this field and may find one or two better.
Satanic Beat ran well on debut. In fact, this £65,000 breeze-up purchase was less than a length away from winning. The form of that race is probably no more than fair and although this son of Dark Angel is likely to improve for that initial start he looked pretty fit and McDonald gave him a few slaps of the whip. This 6f will definitely help and Jedd O'Keeffe is a talented trainer. If improving a length or two, could have fair win and place claims but still something to prove in ways.
David O'Mear's horses have been in fine form this season and Tip Top Gorgeous is an interesting juvenile. She has size and scope to progress with racing and by all accounts seems to be doing just that. Connections must hold her in some regard as starting her career in the Hilary Needler and also competing at Royal Ascot is hardly the path one takes with a no hoper. There is little doubt this daughter of Red Clubs will win a race or two this season. The quandary is trying to assess her performances over varying distances. Five furlong wasn't ideal. Her only run a 6f at Royal Ascot is difficult to assess. However, she showed up very well over 7f at Redcar last time. It is difficult to assess that race although the first four were a long way clear of the fifth. It is a matter of trying to appreciate how she will fair over this fast 6f. She is fit, well, experienced and you have to consider O'Meara thinks this trip is the answer. A juvenile with fair win and place claims.
Of the debutantes, Out Do - trained by Luca Cumani - would have fair win and place claims if priced in single figures.
Conclusion: A tricky race in ways with no standout performer but a few who have claims. Lady Loch is likely to go well even with the slight doubt that all debutantes feature. Fahey knows what it takes to win this race and I would be surprised if she wasn't in the frame. Tip Top Gorgeous is a fine looker and has fair win and place claims. Satanic Beat isn't the easiest to assess but could sneak into a place. Choisan is a grinder but lacks a touch of pace. He is the type to appreciate a fast run race and hope the leaders tire at the finish but may find one or two too good.
HCE: ''Tip Top Gorgeous showed good pace and looked to have most of these in trouble. However, Satanic Beat rallied well in the final furlong to grab a win. Lady Loch was going nowhere until the closing stages, finishing with purpose, but all too late.''