Haggis' juvenile seemed to enjoy himself at the head of affairs and held every chance of winning but went down by half a length to Al Saham who contested - and disappointed - at Listed class next time. Although the front two where clear of the third, the form of that race is still a little difficult to assess. He is a good-looking colt who must have enough ability to go close in a race of this nature. Whether this extra furlong will hinder his chance is a matter of opinion. Ideally, I would rather he was running over 7f. A fair juvenile. But at the price I would have to take a watching brief.
In many ways this could be a match between the two favourites. Humungosaur is held in some regard but the stable commented that they were slightly disappointed by his last run at Pontefract when he had no answer to Cherry Street. This son of Red Ransom had stepped up markedly in distance to 1m 2f after showing ability in testing conditions at Deauville when a creditable third over a mile. A good-looking colt with size and scope, an everyday maiden would seem a formality. This drop back to a mile will help as he struggle to get home last time which probably made Cole's two-year-old look disappointing. His form is difficult to assess, running over varied distances and - in truth - not showing the greatest ability beyond his journey to France. It could well be the case he is a mud lark and if so these faster conditions might not see this bay colt to his best. However, I am left with the impression that connections rate this juvenile and this trip could be the key. A leading chance.
Of the rest Persidha has shown form but pulled last time and it would be a major concern if she was headstrong over this extended trip and probably best watched.
Conclusion: This is a tricky race to assess although I wouldn't look beyond the two favourites: Sholaan and Humungosaur. The former showed ability last time and is a fair-looking juvenile. He seemed to enjoy front-running tactics. Whether this extra furlong will suit is a matter of opinion. Humumgosaur is a strong juvenile who is held in some regard by the stable. His third in a Listed race at France speaks well but he may simply be a better horse on soft ground. The step up to 1m 2f at Pontefract wasn't to his liking although that was a decent race. This trip is much more suiting and there will be no excuses today. At their respective prices, I would side with Humungosaur but with a few questions to answer I would take a watching brief.
*NR
HCE: ''Disappointing to see Sholaan a non runner. Jupiter Sun was quite well backed before the off and won in tidy fashion from the debutante Henry Clay. Humungosaur finished third and either needs testing ground or is regressive.''