An EBF Maiden Stakes over 1m 60y on good ground. Unless there is a surprise, this is a four-horse race. Andrew Balding has been in fighting form with his two-year-olds in the latter part of this season and Mysterious Man - a son of Manduro who cost 55,000gns as a yearling - was set a difficult task on debut competing at stakes class. After being slightly outpaced, this youngster plugged on well to finish fourth. He looked pretty fit that day and there may not be as much improvement to come although he still has fair win and place claims.
Zaeem showed promise on debut at Epsom over 7f. That was a pretty game performance considering the second, fourth and fifth have all won since. Mahmood Al Zarooni's colt travelled as good, if not better, than any horse in the field and held every chance of winning until tiring in the closing stages. This son of Echo Of Light is capable of winning a maiden. The only concern is whether this extra furlong will suit or not. A fair juvenile that should be respected.
York's Convivial Maiden Stakes is a prestigious race which trainers send their better juveniles. It could be a significant sign that Sir Henry Cecil sent Thomas Chippendale to run in this race on debut. An expensive colt by Dansili costing 375,000gns as a yearling, he was sent off a 9/1 shot that day but after showing pace faded out of contention. In truth, this youngster would have needed to be smart to take such a race against experienced opposition. After some time on the sidelines, connections will be hoping for a solid second start. A difficult horse to assess but this may be the dark horse of the race. The stable's juveniles often go well when fancied on their second start.
One of the most interesting horses is Went The Day Well trained by Ed McMahon. A fine-looking colt, he wasn't the most expensive buy but this son of Proud Citizen ran on with real purpose and an unlucky loser, closing fast at the finish. If for not being hampered at the start, connections would be considering a stakes race by now. The form of that race looks fair but there could be improvement to come and a horse with strong place claims and a fighting chance of winning.
Conclusion: Quite a competitive race. Zaeem, Mysterious Man & Went The Day Well have a proven level of form. Thomas Chippendale, the last of the quartet, is a difficult horse to assess after showing little on debut. However, Sir Henry Cecil's juveniles feature fair win and place claims when fancied on their second start so it could be wise to fear this runner even though I would have to take a watching brief. Zaeem travelled well on debut over 7f but whether this step up to 1m will suit is a matter of opinion. Mysterious Man has fair win and place claims but may not improve a great deal from that initial start. Went The Day Well would be a very good each way selection if price allows.
HCE: ''The big four favourites had this between them but it was really a battle of the two with Thomas Chippendale winning a shade cosily from the game Went The Day Well who travelled in style at the head of the field. Sir Henry Cecil's two-year-old improved hugely on what had been seen at York, although the betting suggested a strong run. Zaeem got third on the nod a couple of length behind.''
HCE Elite Tip: Went The Day Well 1pt ew 4/1 2nd