The form of that race is still a little difficult to assess, althought the fourth Firestarter has proven to have an element of ability if not a rather quirky character. I have heard the stable is expecting a big run today. Yarmouth has been quite a successful hunting ground for Toller over the years. A progressive juvenile with fair each way claims.
Flaxen Flare could be a danger. Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds are very selective when buying their juveniles and the majority go on to win. This gelding went off seemingly an unfancied 40/1 on debut at Leicester. After a tardy start, he was a long way off the pace but fairly flew home at the finish to catch another of today's rivals Peak Storm for third place.The winner, Afaal, showed a touch of class but it is difficult to assess that race with few form pointers. On balance, it was probably no more than an average race. However, Balding's representative made excellent progress in the closing stages and if fitter and wiser for that intial start could go well. From a statistical point of view, this runner has fair win and place claims.
Of the others, Invisibile Hunter should be respected for Saeed Bin Suroor. This colt cost $150,000 as a yearling and Godolphin often go well late in the season. If strongly backed, it would be a positive although I find their juevniles difficult to judge on debut.
A similar comment can be given made for Sir Michael Stoute's Commend. The stable rarely have debutante winners priced over 13/2 and that is probably the best guide to this colt's chances. In addition, Highclere Thoroughbreds often improve for their first run and for that reason I would rather take a watching brief.
Shomberg showed a glimmer of ability on debut but judging by last times poor running may have been flattered.
Conclusion: With a strong word from the stable, Rewarded could be a fair each way bet if prices allow. Flaxen Flare certainly made eye-ctaching progress in the final furlong at Leicester and if away on terms could be a tough nut to crack. Both juveniles have fair win and place claims.
HCE: ''A match between Rewarded & Flaxen Flare with the former prevailing, both clear of the third. The Toller contact was spot on with his thoughts. Balding's, second, drifted markedly in the betting but showed very good pace and touched around 1/4 in-running but wasn't able to withstand the late challenge.''