In truth, that turned out to be a pretty competitive race and this Khalid Abdulla-owned youngster lost his place after being hampered leaving the stalls. He made an eye-catching move mid-race and traded at quite short odds, looking a major threat. However, that effort faded as quickly as it materialised and his jockey resigned himself to an encouraging first start but to many favourite backers a disappointing end result. Today's race looks no more than an average maiden and there has been big money on the exchanges to a point he will go off odds-on favourite. In the context of this race, Starboard has strong claims of winning based on that debut effort. The horse to beat, but prohibitive odds.
Scrupul - trained by Luca Cumani - was relatively fancied on debut and finished behind Starboard on his first at Ascot. This colt by Dylan Thomas was much too keen and tired rapidly in the closing stages. He ran much better at York when stepping up to one mile. It was encouraging that he was once again fancied in the betting. To finish a remote second, after pulling at the start in a slowly run race, was a fair effort and Scrupul has fair place claims although may struggle to beat the favourite.
William Haggis is represented by Shatter, a bay filly who cost E100,000 as a yearling and owned by Cheveley Park Stud. I am pretty sure connections have been quoted as saying this juvenile is held in some regard. However, although fancied on debut when ridden by Paul Hanagan, she didn't achieve a great deal on her race course bow at Yarmouth. She is bred to appreciate this step up in distance and if backed to 13/2 & less would have fair win and place claims. However, much more is needed today.
It is interesting to note that Paul Hanangan takes the ride on Moorside Magic, trained by Richard Fahey. Whether he had the choice of riding Shatter could be an interesting pointer. This home bred filly is a difficult horse to assess but one to keep on side. Although unfancied in the betting, is one of the more likely types in potentially a moderate maiden.
Of the others, Cardinal Waiter cost E160,000 as a yearling, owned by the influential Mrs Fitri Hay. This juvenile was trained by Paul Cole but removed to David Simcock's stable. Any juvenile costing such a princely sum is worthy of consideration and especially so if backed to 13/2 & less.
An outsider with a chance may be Dos Amigos. Michael Dods' two-year-olds can often go well on debut at speculative odds and could have place claims.
Conclusion: Starboard looks the horse to beat. A good-looking colt, he was fancied on debut but had a luckless start to his career. The money has come for this youngster and his backers are clearly hoping to recoup their losses, although at odds-on there isn't too much meat on the bone. Scrupul has each way claims but a difficult horse to assess and likely to struggle against the favourite. The betting is the best guide to the chances of Shatter, Moorside Magic & Cardinal Waiter. If priced 13/2 & less they could have claims but the betting would suggest others are favoured. Dos Amigos may sneak into a place at speculative odds.
HCE: ''There must have been a strong word for Starboard as he was substantially backed. An easy win, which never looked in doubt. Galacian ran well in second showing good pace, while Dos Amigos hit the frame at huge odds. Scrupul didn't help his chances by pulling too hard and is capable of better.''