*Red Star Lady ran on the first day of the Flat season, and was backed to go well. This daughter of Redback, trained by Mrs K Burke, was a relatively cheap purchase at 5,000euros but a fair-looking juvenile. She was a little keen over the first two furlong and pushed wide on the home bend but still help every chance until the final strides and given a considerate ride when her jockey realise the winner had flown. Better off in the weights than some, that initial experience should see her well today. With the ground of the soft side it will be interesting to see if she ventures to the far side rail.
Jim Goldie is a capable trainer although he has only a few two-year-old runners each season. Someone's Darling looks to be a bargain buy at £2,000. She started at 33/1 for a Musselburgh maiden and although not too quick from the stalls - most likely given time to find her stride - ran on with encouragement, just missing out on a place in a three-way finish. The winner, Storm Moon, has since won a Stakes race and looks a fair prospect. The form of this race has been franked by the sixth, eighth and ninth. It could well be the case many of these improved for their debut efforts as they were some way adrift. This daughter of Jeremy is quite stocky and looked straightforward. It was a fair debut effort especially running a little wide of the main contenders. This is a rare ride for Hanagan although he hasn't featured the best strike rate for his stable over the years.
The other form horse is Twilight Pearl, trained by Tim Easterby. This April foal by Pastoral Pursuits ran in what may turn out to be a decent Beverley maiden auction. A few two-year-olds had valuable experience and a in the soft ground it was always going to be a tough task for a debutante. However, this bay filly plugged on with fighting spirit to take third place. On balance, that was a creditable performance and she will be wiser today.
Easterby has debutante Another Ponty but jockey booking would suggest she is second string.
Throwing Roses is handled by capable trainer Ollie Pears, but a selling race entry may be a negative and best watched.
A few of the debutantes come from stables who can fire home a two-year-old winner on their race course bow.
Lady Of Seville is a daughter of Duke Of Marmalade and cost 20,000euros as a yearling. This February foal is owned by T T Racing who have seen success with a number of talented juveniles. The stable feature a fantastic strike rate with their two-year-olds at this course. One of the more interesting horses in this field.
Michael Dods is another trainer who often does well with his debutantes. Lucies Diamond should be respected.
Starbotton was entered to run earlier but withdrawn. James Bethell's juveniles usually improve for the experience and best watched.
La Sylphe hails from David Barron's stable. A cheap purchase, she is another who would be interested if substantially backed.
Conclusion: A difficult race to assess in ways with many of the debutantes ranging from trainers who can win on debut. However, in these soft ground conditions, against some fair form horses, it will take a decent horse to prevail and many will be inclined to give a considerate introduction. Lady Of Seville looks to be the most interesting of the debutantes, certainly from a statistical perspective. Red Star Lady, Someone's Darling and Twighlight Pearl have race experience which counts for a lot and most likely to figure.
*NR