An EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f 20y.
White Spirit is no world beater, but must have leading claims in a poor race. She isn't the biggest of fillies but quite a lively sort who in ways has been a touch too exuberant to last 6f. Whether this daughter of Invincible Spirit will have the pace over the minimum trip is a matter of opinion but from a low draw she could well lead all the way.
Gin Twist has plenty of experience and placed on a few occasion but has her limitations. Probably more of an auction horse than a fully blown maiden she always has the knack of finding something too good. That last effort didn't impress, just beating Copper Falls, and I have concerns Dascombe's juvenile is regressing.
With the form horses being pretty moderate, those making their debutes are worthy of note. Relentless Harry comes from George Baker's stable, who rarely win on debut although a few have done better of late. This son of Excellent Art wouldn't need to be anything special to win but the major concern is inexperience on this turning course. If slow away from the stalls, he could have a stiff task catching those with greater experience.
A similar comment can be made for Regal Lady. David Brown is a talented trainer and I would have more faith in his juveniles on debut than most. However, she is an unknown quantity and best watched unless strongly fancied in the betting.
Conclusion: A tricky race. White Spirit would be my idea of the winner although she has been off course for a while and this drop to the minimum distance - although looking a positive - could blunt her pace. From a low draw, she is ideally situated to make a bold show and should run to the line, which has been a problem over 6f. This is a prime opportunity to gain a win over limited/regressive form horses and debutantes who may be at a disadvantage because of inexperience on a turning track.
HCE: 'The form horses showed their limitations by the fact the debutantes could take first and second place. Relentless Harry is a big, grey colt who looked very inexperienced. He won on natural ability and will improve a good deal for this initial start. Regal Lady pipped White Spirit for second. The third, trained by Marco Botti, could never quite get to grips with the leaders and is one to be careful with in future. A moderate race.'
