An EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f on good to firm ground.
A few capable sorts.
Kimbali has been fancied to run well on both starts but to some extent disappointed, especially on his last start at Ripon. This son of Clodovil looked to have a fine chance when ridden by Lee Topliss when odds on but left his backers disheartened. This bay colt wasn't best away from the stalls and never seemed to be able to get to grips with See Clearly who showed good pace. In fairness, Easterby's juvenile has since won again and does seem to be a better horse on soft ground. Perhaps Kimbali didn't like the ground or undulations but whatever the reason it was a disappointing effort in ways. It might be the case that is his level of ability. Although the betting on both occasions suggests much more was expected and it will be interesting to see if there is more to come today.
Nayarra sets the standard. This daughter of Cape Cross has been running consistently but always found one too good and then struggled when attempting Listed class. Channon has given this speedster a rest and she reverts back to 5f. She has a good level of pace and a fair juvenile at best. There is a slight worry she may be prone to regressing at some stage. A fair each way bet.
Kune Kune ran well on debut but disappointed next time out when slightly hampered at Newmarket. Dropped down to 5f at Thirsk she ran well but it was a very competitive race for the lead with many front-running types, which made it a tough test. She managed to beat most of those only to be outpointed by two juveniles that ran on after being outpaced. One of those was I'll Be Good opposes today. It will be interesting to see how these two compare today. If it is run at a frantic pace - which is may well - I'll Be Good could, once again, finish in front of Botti's juvenile.
Bryan Smart's juveniles have been in good form and Free Zone was pipped at the post by Kool Henry at York. That was a fair effort although more may be needed. Smart has opted for the visor today so whether this will afford improvement is a matter of debate. He could well have win and place claims.
Larwood would have strong win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less.
Conclusion: A number of these juveniles look capable of winning a race but all have slight concerns. Nayarra sets the standard and has a fair level of ability but there is always a worry juveniles may regress after a number of races. A fair each way selection if price allows. Kimbali is another who may be capable of much better but still has to prove that point. Kune Kune should run well but may need to pace herself and could be vulnerable to the likes of I'll Be Good if this is run at a frantic pace. Free Zone is one of the more likely types to run his race and has each way claims.
HCE: ''Kune Kune set her own pace and won in good style. A strong, compact filly she looked in good health and clearly thriving. The form of that last race at Thirsk is worth a second look because a few winners will come from that contest in the near future. Nayarra ran well but was slightly struggling to go the early pace before finishing well. She has ability but a touch indifferent and may need the visor again. I'll Be Good seemed to sit handy, this was simply because the race wasn't run at such a frantic pace as seen at Thirsk, and plugged on to finish third. Kimbali is a good-looking colt but needs a step up to 6f. As seen at Ripon, by the time he gets rolling the race is over. He could be a different horse over an extra furlong or two.''
Full result (click)
