An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f. A tricky race with a number of juveniles with form hoping to go one better today. Ahzeemah is presently favourite in the betting after finishing a creditable second at Wolverhampton when running at one mile. This son of Dubawi had the beating of another of today's runners - His Royal Highness.
It will be intriguing to consider how these two fair dropping back in distance and it may be foolish to imagine Ahzeemah is guaranteed to uphold the form as they were difficult to split at the furlong pole. Mikael Magnusson does well with his juveniles on the all-weather surface and with the blinkers on for the first time I can see this sturdy colt making a bold front-running bid and may be difficult to peg back.
Another who is likely to try for the lead is Silver Marizah, trained by Gary Moore. This filly was backed to co-favourite for a sales race at Newmarket but didn't cut much ice that day. Perhaps the drop to 6f didn't suit or she had an off day. A return to 7f will probably see a better performance and a low draw is never a bad pointer on this turning track. One to respect especially if substantially backed.
Oblitereight was relatively fancied on debut and showed a fair level of form when second to Charitable Act at Kempton over 7f. He is a willing little colt who battled right to the line but never quite looked like holding the late charge of the winner. William Knight's juvenile is one for the short list and Crowley is a positive jockey booking.
Of the debutantes Tazweed would have claims if strongly fancied in the betting although experience is a big advantage round this turning track and a watching brief.
Conclusion: A tricky race. This could be a close call between Ahzeemah and His Royal Highness over this 7f. Mikael Magnusson's two-year-old will appreciate this trip, especially with the application of the blinkers. The trainer goes well at this course and his runners are often sent to the front and may take some clawing back. Oblitereight could go well after a creditable second at Kempton. It is difficult to quite get a grip on that form but he could have each way claims. Silver Marizah comes from a similar mould and it may be significant that she was sent off co-favourite last time. If this runner is backed it would add to confidence.
HCE: ''Ahzeemah beat fellow stable mate Curzon Line in a close finish. Oblitereight showed good pace leading for most but tired in the final furlong. His Royal Highness was given as a Regular Tip but never seemed to be travelling. Whether the blinkers didn't have the desired effect is a matter of debate.''