An EBF Maiden Stakes for colts & fillies on good ground.
An intriguing race.
Goldoni hails from the Andrew Balding stable. In recent years their two-year-olds have been hitting the target with a 50% strike rate atthis course. This chestnut colt by Dylan Thomas is a wiry type, not the biggest or strongest, but the type to make a bold front- running show. Connections clearly hold him is some regard, plumping for the Chesham (Listed) race at Royal Ascot last time out. Goldoni tried to make all but tired in the final furlong. Whether the changing ground didn't suit or that was his mark is a matter for debate. However, even though this runner has something to prove the stable have such a magnificent record at Epsom that this juvenile should be respected and has each way claims.
Sir Mark Prescott has been in fair form with his two-year-old string and Repeater has enough ability to win a race or two. He is quite a lightly built juvenile and may look something of an ugly duckling compared with a few of these but he is a willing juvenile with battling qualities. An expensive buy at 105,000gns, Cheveley Park Stud will be hoping for a better performance today. In truth, this son of Montjeu hasn't had much go right in his first two races. On debut at Leicester, he missed the break and was a number of lengths adrift and then at Wolverhampton may have gone a stride too fast and then hung under pressure at the finish. It will be interesting if Donohoe tries front-running tactics once more, especially if Goldoni does the same. Repeater has an element of ability and looks the type to give his best shot today. One for the shortlist.
Tones is a lovely-looking colt. I didn't take much notice of his debut performance at Brighton, which didn't look the most competitive of events but was intrigued by the money that came for him on his second start. It caught my attention because I though Pride And Joy - who managed to scrape a win - set a fair level of ability but the money kept coming for Tones suggesting that a big run was expected. This son of Strategic Prince ran a great race and perhaps in ways was unlucky not to win. That was quite an impressive performance and this 7f should bring about further improvement. With the above mentioned likely to set a strong pace, Tones may take advantage if hold-up tactics are employed. A horse with fair win and place claims.
Of the others, Halling Dancer showed an element of ability but wandered quite dramatically left and right under pressure, which could be a concern on this camber.
Tidal Way is likely to become outpaced and may run on at the finish but doesn't look the class of some of these.
Tigers Tale is worthy of respect as there was good money for Teal's juvenile on debut. They didn't go to town and more can be expected. At speculative odds one with each way claims, especially if well backed.
Voodoo Rhythm would have fair win and place claims if priced 7/1 & less.
Conclusion: An interesting race with a few juveniles which have shown form. Repeater and Goldoni have shown ability although in ways have something to prove. Both may try front running tactics which may be a negative to their chances as both have foundered at the finish. Goldoni should be respected as the stable feature a 50% win rate at the course in recent years. Tones is a good-looking colt - quite impressive - and I can imagine connections will be expecting a big run today. Certainly one with win and place claims although it could be a rather tactical affair.
HCE: ''Quite a competitive race with three market leaders fighting out the finish. Repeater ran well and first managed to beat Tones and then held the late challenge of Goldoni, who nearly grabbed the spoils in the last stride.''
