An EBF maiden for colts and fillies over 5f 10y on good to firm ground.
Quite an interesting race with a few fair sorts.
School Fees trained by Henry Candy was fancied to go well on debut at Salisbury. This daughter of Royal Applause is an attractive filly, with a daisy clipper action. The winner of that contest, Pink Sapphire, was in a different class and the second has since disappointed. On balance, that wasn't a strong contest. However, that may not be such a negative with Candy's juvenile as the trainer rarely wins on debut - even with his fancied runners - but feature strong win and place claims with two-year-olds on their second start. One of the leading lights.
Another trainer who is similarly capable with juveniles on their second start is Ed McMahon. The Rising is bred in the purple - a good buy for 50,000gns - being a son of Pivotal and out of Cherry Hinton (Group 2) winner Jewel In The Sand. He was a 4/1 shot on debut at Haydock and after looking inexperienced flew home in the last half furlong. The front two horses may have stopped to some extent but that was an encouraging start to his career. In truth, 6f may seem more suiting. However, that initial start may have blown away the cobwebs. Well drawn in stall two, likely to be fit and primed, McMahon is a very talented trainer and this youngster has fair win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less.
It would be wise to consider this may be far from a two-horse race.
Lemon Rock ran with real promise on debut at Newmarket, bustling up the odds-on favourite for a stride or two. However, what happened at Leicester is any ones guess. Quinlan's filly was fancied to run a big race and one of the favourites. In truth, she had little chance simply because a number of very talented juveniles turned up that day. Russelliana - won with some finesse - and has recently finished second in the Cherry Hinton (Group 2). That Leicester race was particularly strong and even if Lemon rock may have disappointed it could well be the case she went to win the race and struggled thereafter. It was noticeable that this daughter of Green Desert was a shadow of many of these opposing fillies who had a touch of quality. She is on the small side and may have simply regressed. It is encouraging that connections have entered her in the Lowther (Group 2). If showing that debut form, there may be some hope although there are question marks, which never make for a good bet. One to consider but perhaps a watching brief.
Chunky Diamond may be capable of better but needs to have a different frame of mind to show his worth. Peter Chapple-Hyam has been in decent form with his juveniles this season and this son of Diamond Green is a fair-looking juvenile. He ran quite well on debut but showed temperament on his next start at Newmarket when pulling much to hard for a couple of furlong and - unsurprisingly - tired in the final furlong. His trainer must hold him is some regard because he was entered to run at Royal Ascot in the Windsor Castle and since a stakes race. With nearly two months off course, Chapple-Hyam has probably been trying to resolve his wayward attitude. In that time, this juvenile may have progressed or regressed. There are questions marks over the ability he has shown on course and certainly worries about his attitude. However, it wouldn't be beyond the realms that he could run well. The betting is probably the best guide and if strongly backed could have a fighting chance. On balance, one I would rather watch today.
Of the others, Full Support should be respected. The David Brown/John Fretwell team has reaped rewards in the past and they can win on debut. The key to this ones chances rest upon the betting. If priced 13/2 & less, has fair win and place claims.
Queen's Sandridge is worth noting in the betting. Alan Bailey has done well with John Stocker's breeze-up purchases and this 50,000gns buy would have strong claims if backed to 8/1 & less (unlikely).
Conclusion: School Fees & The Rising catch the eye. Both have good win and place claims and should progress from their debut efforts where they showed promise. Lemon Rock and Chunky Diamond have something to prove but could prove a challenge if getting their act together. If substantially backed, Full Support & Queen's Sandridge should be noted.
HCE: ''A lively betting heat. Chunky Diamond has calmed down and that allowed a more professional display. The Chapple-Hyam juveniles are in good form at present and worth keeping on the right side after this win. Lemon Rock ran much better after a lacklustre performance at Leicester. She has enough ability to win a race. School Fees ran on at the finish but couldn't ever get involved. The Rising ran too bad to be true and worth another chance. Perhaps 6f and better ground would suit.''