A Median Maiden Auction Stakes over 5f 59y on soft. A difficult race to assess.
Reberty Lee made his debut a Yarmouth when finishing third of five behind Mossgo over the minimum distsance. This America-bred was a cheap purchase at £2,800 and trained by Noel Quinlan. The second that day, Out Of The Blocks, had shown an element of ability of debut, coming from a race where the form has been franked although still difficult to assess. This chestnut colt by Three Valleys is a fair-looking juvenile. He wasn't best away from the stalls but made what looked to be a promising challenge in the final quarter, only to fade out of contention as quickly as he appeared. The stable know their horses and money for this runner would add to confidence. Experience is always a big advantage although I would have to take a watching brief.
Golac races in the silks of Mick Channon. A relatively cheap purchase, this son of Pastoral Pursuits looked to be second string to the more experience Effie B who made that contest a one-horse race. This juvenile has been entered for a selling race, which may be a sign that he is limited. The trainer's juveniles often go well on their second start and the experience will not be lost on him. In what looks to be a poor race, he deserves respect although beaten a long way on debut.
Tobias Coles is a capable trainer when given a decent horse. All On Red is a daughter of Red Clubs but probably best watched unless heavily backed.
One of the more interesting juveniles hail from Bill Turner's stable, which has been in superb form. Lady Phill is a chestnut daughter of Avonbridge out of the mare Lady Filly, who was trained by Turner and won on her first three starts. Owner/breeder Mrs Monica Teversham is one of the best patrons of this Dorset yard and fielded many a talented two year old. Turner has stated that he has a nice bunch of juveniles, which has seen Severn Bore, Caught Napping, Judy In Disguise, Coconut Kisses win while others have been placed. He was quoted in the Weekender as saying: ''I've got six two-year-olds to run so I don't think we're finished. I like the filly Lady Phill who runs at Brighton on Thursday. She's a full-sister to Lord Avon, who was sold to race in Hong Kong after winning four out of five last season.''
Last but not least is the filly *Must Be Me. This bay filly is a daughter of Trade Fair out of the talented mare Roodeye, who was similarly trained by Eve Johnson Houghton. She was campaigned over 5/6f at two running well in the Molecomb Stakes (Group 3), achieving an official rating of 97 in her career. Eden Racing Club have owned a number of talented juveniles in their time although the stable do not feature a very good strike rate on debut.
Conclusion: A difficult race to have any strong opinion. Those with experience have an advantage but this must be considered in the light of what could be limited form. In truth, it is difficult to assess their form lines at this time. The debutantes make most appeal, especially Bill Turner's Lady Phill. The stable know where they stand and what it takes to win a race of this nature and for Turner to say ''I like the filly...'' is noteworthy. A number of their winning juveniles have been quite heavily supported and if this daughter of Avonbridge is backed it would bring added confidence. I can see her going well. Must Be Me comes from a talented mare, and Eve Johnson Houghton knows the family well. The stable have few winners on debut, which tempers enthusiasm. However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see some promise. All On Red is best watched.
*NR