An EBF Maiden Stakes for colts & fillies over 6f on good to firm ground.
The money has come for Signor Sassi. This son of Acclamation, a 140,000gns purchase, is a stocky sort who ran well on debut at Newmarket when a beaten favourite. Roger Varian has been in good form with his juveniles and this one time Gimcrack (Group 2) entrant is sure to be the focus of many punters today. The form of that initial start looks promising with the third winning since, although the winner showed little when stepped up to a novice stakes race and the fourth was beaten albeit on soft ground. Signor Sassi was pretty fit and ready for his debut and took quite some time to hit full stride. Perhaps that was simply down to inexperience but it might be the case that a wide draw over this speedier 6f could see him struggling to go the pace in the early stages. On balance, he is the horse to beat but I would still have slight worries that me may have to play a waiting game.
On form Signor Sassi holds Eightfold, who would have needed to have under performed to have any hope today.
Shamahan was relatively fancied in a small but competitive race at Folkestone on debut. A 55,000gns breeze-up purchase, this son of Shamardal ran well but could never get to grips with the two experienced form horses. A decent-looking juvenile, he is likely to improve for that run and if priced 13/2 & less would have fair each way claims.
Dana's Present (HCE Dark Horse) is quite an interesting horse. Baker has done well with his two-year-olds of late, giving the impression they are coming into form, and the trainer has spoken well of this juvenile, who was backed on debut at Brighton. There must have been a problem or two along the way because he hasn't been seen since May. A son of Osorio, he has size and scope to improve with racing and it could be a significant pointer that Baker has entered this chestnut colt to run in a couple of stakes races. Whether he will be primed after such an absence is difficult to know. However, at speculative odds, a good draw, and that initial experience onside, he could have place claims.
Of the others, Amphora - trained by Andrew Balding - done little on debut, although relatively fancied at 16/1. Owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing this daughter of Oasis Dream cost 105,000gns, so it might be a mistake to rule her out after one run. The betting is probably the best indicator to her chances but Baldings juveniles are always worthy of note on their second start and if backed to single figures would have respectable each way claims.
La Bocca is worth noting for Roger Charlton although his juveniles rarely win on debut. If backed it would give great encouragement. A well bred filly who is likely to be winning in her two-year-old career.
Conclusion: Signor Sassi went close to winning on debut and will be many people's idea of the winner. He certainly sets the standard and Varian will have him primed for a big run. My only concern is that on debut he took a while to find his stride and from a wide draw, and a speedier course, he could be a touch outpaced. Clearly that experience will not be lost on him today and perhaps these concerns will be quickly brushed aside. However, it would be a factor if backing at odds on as much bigger prices may be available in running. The horse to beat. Shamahan needs to improve a few lengths but has each way claims if priced 13/2 & less. Dana's Present is one for the short list at speculative odds. A difficult juvenile to assess but one who could have a fighting chance.
HCE: '' Shamahan left favourite backers disappointed with a comfortable victory of the odds on shot. Signor Sassi looked to hold every chance but when push came to shove foundered. He could only beat his old adversary Eightfold by one length, which tells the story.''