Finbar's main rival is Purple N Gold. This 46,000gns purchase is run in the familiar silks of the Khan brothers, who have a number of horses with Jim Boyle. A son of Strategic Prince by a mare who enjoyed a trip, it is surprising he managed to win over 6f second time out. However, that victory was no surprise to the stable because he was heavily backed before the off. That victory bodes well for further success with a greater test of stamina. That point being highlighted last time when stepped up to 7f. Connections must have been disappointed to see him struggle to go the pace. Although it is fair to say that a couple of the juveniles in opposition were speedy types and to some extent it was a tactical affair, which didn't favour Baker's juvenile. Purple N Gold will relish this step up to a mile.
Of the other two runners, Dylan's Verse is an interesting horse for Reg Hollinshead. On both of his starts to date there has been little promise but owner, John Marriott, will be hoping this gelding can achieve some success. He was an expensive foal costing E200,000. However, his price dropped to 25,000gns when purchased at the breeze-up sales. The dam is a high-sister to Rock Of Gibraltar. Perhaps he is a long-term project or needs time to strengthen up. A watching brief.
Our Invor, trained by Michael Appleby, needs to improve significantly on his debut performance to press the major hopes.
Conclusion: By all accounts this is a two-horse race with Finbar and Purple N Gold. I can imagine both connections will fancy their chances. Finbar has course and distance experience which could be the answer. Purple N Gold will enjoy this step up to one mile. At the prices, I would have to take a watching brief.
HCE: ''An easy success for Finbar who looks as though he could win a few races over this winter campaign if his trainer wishes. The rest had no answer to this stylish victor.''