4:30 Lingfield (25th August)

A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 6f for colts & fillies.


Rae Guest has trained some talented juveniles in his time and Princess Of Orange was backed from huge odds for her debut at Windsor. This daughter of Dutch Art was a breeze-up purchase at 48,000gns. A strong type for the fairer sex, she went off 7/1 for that first start but a wide draw, inexperience and competitive opposition made winning a stiff task. That looked a decent maiden and Princess Of Orange ran on quite well at the finish. Not the easiest to assess, but a good-looking juvenile who is likely to be much wiser today. 

Dishy Guru should be respected in what looks a weak race. Michael Blanshard is often overlooked but a talented trainer whose juveniles often progress with racing. This son of Ishiguru didn't figure on debut but showed a glimmer of ability at Salisbury when a 50/1 shot. It is slightly difficult to assess his form because he was beaten by a good few lengths at the line and the leaders were pulling away. However, the first three look to be capable two-year-olds who could quite easily progress to a higher level. This attractive colt was still pretty inexperienced on his second start and he looks the type who will win a small race this season. 


Zain Point was run off his hooves over 5f, when chasing home easy winner Sea Odyssey. That looked a poor race beyond the winner who is no super star. This extra furlong will help although I would prefer others.


Conclusion: A trick race where potential rather than cast iron form is the order of the day. Princess Of Orange was a talking horse on debut and that support leads me to think there will be much more to come. Rae Guest knows how to prime a horse and this daughter of Dutch Art is most probably the horse to beat. She is a good-looking filly, although at the price I would rather take a watching brief. Dishy Guru could be a canny each way bet. That was a pretty hot race at Salisbury and to finish fourth may not have been a disappointment by any means. The uncertainty is trying to assess Blanshard's juvenile. Is he on the right or wrong side to win a race of this nature? The trainer's juveniles often progress with racing and Dishy Guru showed signs of inexperience on his second start. A fair-looking colt he could be a fair each way bet although you need to take a slight leap of faith, which always tempers enthusiasm. If a big drifter on the exchanges, could be worth a few quid to make the frame and fingers crossed a win in what looks a moderate race.


HCE: ''Not the strongest of races. Dishy Guru running a true line round the final bend most probably stole a winning advantage as the errant Princess Of Orange done her supporters no favours running very wide. The latter ran on well but Blanshard's juvenile had the edge.''