An EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f 89y on good ground. Good prize money and quite a competitive heat. Richard Fahey's Lisiere heads the market. This daughter of Excellent Art cost 65,000gns as a yearling and was fancied on debut when a distant second behind Pea Shooter. The form of that race has been franked although how easy Ryan's juvenile won over course and distance either suggests that horse improved immensely or that the opposition rather faltered. An interesting filly but one I would rather watch and learn a little more.
Jedd O'Keeff's two-year-olds often go well at York and this bargain buy went down a gutsy loser when pipped at the post by Vital Gold. That was a fair display of ability. Byronic Hero wasn't competitive in the DBS Premiere Yearling Stakes. He was unruly at the stalls and always behind. If back to his best, this youngster has fair win and place claims.
Bryan Smart often sends his more talented juveniles to York. Master Bond was sent off 3/1 favourite for his debut at Beverley - a time when the trainer's two-year-olds were running below par - and disappointed, trailing home second from last. However, this bay colt showed that initial confidence wasn't misplaced when running a storming race at Redcar. Quite well backed before the off, he was some way off the pace but cruised up to the lead mid race in comfortable style. He looked to hold the aces but Deepsand rallied and took the spoils. This son of Misu Bond is a good-looking colt. He looks quite a live wire and a bundle of energy so this drop in distance may not be a problem. After such a gap between his first and second start, it probably was no surprise he was a touch keen. In what looks a competitive race, Master Bond has fair win and place claims.
Anton Chigurh went well on debut at Haydock when relatively fancied in the betting. This son of Oasis Dream led in the final furlong only to be caught close home in a tight finish. On breeding you would imagine this youngster would be better over further although Dascombe's two-year-old didn't lack for pace over 6f. Another who could go well if heavily backed.
Of the debutantes, Pearl Secret is on interesting recruit for David Barron. Pearl Bloodstock are always worthy of note and this £90,000 breeze-up purchase could be something of a dark horse. The booking of Jamie Spencer appeals as he hold a good strike rate for the yard. On balance, this chestnut colt would need to be pretty smart to trouble the more experienced opposition who set quite a level for any newcomer to achieve. A watching brief but a horse to note for the future.
Yeeoow may go well at huge odds. This juvenile was given as an HCE Elite Tip on his last start. That was a moderate race and his performance left a lot to be desired although - in truth - nothing much went right that day and there was good reason to consider a big run was on the cards. It is intriguing that Burke has plumped for this race after a few days rest. It could be an indicator that much better was expected last time and even though to back this runner would take a leap of faith it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see a glint of ability today. (I intend to have a few quid on at fancy odds just in case that last run was all wrong).
Conclusion: Not the easiest race to assess with four or five juveniles with a chance. Master Bond caught my eye last time at Redcar, how he moved up mid race. He looks a live wire and there is a chance he may be keen but this drop back to 5f should help him settle. A fair each way bet. Yeeoow may go well at huge odds and is worth a few quid.
HCE: ''The money came for Pearl Secret and this colt travelled well, winning is style. Lupo D'Oro didn't do much wrong in second, while Yeeoow showed his running to be all wrong last time hitting the frame at speculative odds. Master Bond was slow away and then far too keen, which put pay to his chance.''