Kune Kune has been rather in and out of form. After a sparkling display at Pontefract, she struggled to land a blow in very testing conditions when attempting Group class for the first time at Ayr. Marco Botti does well with his runners on the all-weather and this daughter of Sir Percy has an abundance of speed. In fact, this bay filly looks the type to be suited by this turning course. The main issue is whether she will be suited by 6f. A difficult horse to assess but clearly capable at best.
Sandfrankskipsgo is a handsome colt. I was struck by what a specimen he was when making a bold bid at Sandown before he tired in the final furlong. Brett Johnson's two-year-old, a son of Piccolo, was quite well backed late on for his third start at Windsor. In truth, that was no more than an average auction race and by the way they were strung out at the line you have to wonder if only two horses turned up. Perhaps Sandsfrankskipsgo and the second are talented juveniles. I imagine that was no more than an average race and concerned that he may struggle to last six furlongs.
Botti comes double-handed with Colorful Notion. This is a very attractive filly who is held in high regard by the stable. That point was verified when she was backed to 15/8 favourite on debut. Connections must have been pleased with her third race, when winning at Doncaster. That was no more than a fair race but what struck me was the comments made by the stable which talked of this daughter of Danehill Dancer in glowing terms. With Kirby in the saddle, I would suggest this is the stable's first string. An intriguing filly who may well progress to be a talent.
Of the others, Piranha was held in high regard but seems to have lost her way. After a break of over a month she needs to bounce back to form to have any hope and best watched today.
Sunrise Dance may be better suited by this step back to 6f. In ways I was disappointed by that last performance when losing narrowly. It wouldn't be a surprise to see her make a bold bid from the front and could touch short odds in-running. An interesting filly who could go well.
Conclusion: A tough race to be dogmatic about. Dissent and Colorful Notion could be the class acts in this race. Both are good-looking juveniles but, however promising, still need to prove their worth. Sunrise Dance could be a back to lay option. A watching brief.
HCE: ''A great performance from Kune Kune who showed she is progressing with a nice victory. Botti made the one-two with Colorful Notion who may in time be the better horse. Dissent finished third, while Sunrise Dance showed good pace and didn't disappoint in fourth.''