A Median Maiden Auction Stakes over 7f on soft ground. Serene Oasis has been running well but wasn't suited by leading at Salisbury last time when it paid to race off the pace. There isn't much of this grey filly by Oratorio but she is a gutsy type who battles. After so many chances there is always a fear that one more run will see her regress. However, connections should have learned from last times mistake and it would be pleasing to see her held up off the pace and finish rather than press on in these testing conditions. A fair each way selection.
Not Bad For A Boy is a good-looking son Elusive City. Hannon's two-year-old has shown form but his limitations have been exposed to some extent and this drop in class should help him stay competitive today.
Interesting to see Hanagan riding fro James Given. Aluet is a filly by Iceman who hasn't shown the greatest level of ability bar her second behind Albaspina, although that was a diffiult race to assess. A horse I would rather watch and learn a little more.
Zain Point is stepped up to 7f for the first time after showing pace. Butler is a fine trainer and this chestnut colt has breeding to appreciate further so may have claims.
Conclusion: A number of these are difficult to assess but cannot be ignored. Serene Oasis was done no favours last time at Salisbury and simply went a stride too fast for conditions. It is hoped that connections learn from that experience and run off the pace. If these tactics are employed, this little grey filly has solid each way claims.
HCE: ''This looked a two-horse race in the final furlong, if not a one-horse race with Kinloch Castle seemingly having the race at his mercy but Serene Oasis had other ideas. She is small but strong in character and little by little ground out a win.''