A Maiden Stakes for colts & fillies over 5f on good to soft ground.
Fly Fisher has shown promise on both starts to date and knows his way around here after finishing a creditable second a week ago. This chestnut son of Camacho was outpaced on debut and he was slightly struggling to go the pace last time but rallied at the finish. Indian Jade - the winner - is a good-looking juvenile and fancied to go well so it may be a fair race. With race experience on side this April foal, who isn't quite two, should be primed to run a big race.
From the same race Top Notch Tonto caught the eye. This flashy gelding by Thousand Words has a lot of white about him and a pronounced running action which suggests he appreciates soft ground. Ian McInnes' youngster cost just 3,000euros at the yearling sale. After a slow start, this 100/1 shot ran on with gritty determination down the centre of the course, making inroads on the lead at the line. With that experience there is no reason why he shouldn't attain a similar level of ability to Fly Fisher. Top Notch Tonto is a much bigger price, probably because he is with a less fashionable trainer, but he is worthy of respect. It may not be in his favour if the ground dries up.
Kevin Ryan fields the Elite Racing home bred Panama Cat. The mare was trained by Paul Cole and raced up to Group class, although not quite that grade. The stable should know where they stand with Fly Fisher and why the betting is important. If strongly fancied I would take note of this juvenile. Jamie Spencer has a good strike rate for the stable. It is never easy to win on debut, but from a low draw he is an interesting juvenile. If starting favourite it would be significant.
Crystal Cove is an intriguing horse for Tim Easterby. This grey colt by Dubawi was well backed on debut at Southwell and showed good pace for a long way before being collared by Somethingboutmary. The mare, Critsal Clear, was a talented filly for this stable, Listed-placed and ran well at Group level. It wouldn't be a big surprise to hear this youngster is rated at home and with that initial experience is worthy of respect especially if backed.
Of the others, Yorkshire Icon was a relatively cheap purchase. This son of Sixties Icon (who has done well with his juvenile crop) has been entered to run at Stakes class. This is quite an encouraging sign and the stable do well at this course. If priced 13/2 & less has fair win and place claims.
One horse that may have a glimmer of hope although not best drawn is Pearl Noir, trained by Scott Dixon. The stable have unleashed a debutante winner and this colt was backed when entered to run at Southwell, but a non runner. At speculative odds he could be backed.
Conclusion: Probably not the strongest race which give the experienced form horses an ideal opportunity. In truth there may not be a great deal between Fly Fisher and Top Notch Tonto, If the later wins, many will question why they didn't take the greater odds. The betting could prove important to the chances of Panama Cat. I would consider it significant if he was sent off favourite. Crystal Cove is worth noting. He is quite a well bred juvenile and fancied to go well on debut, which isn't often the case for Easterby's. Southwell is an indifferent course and it if it wasn't to this juvenile's liking we could see a different horse today. He could be the dark horse of the race and if backed to 13/2 & less has respectable win and place claims. Yorkshire Icon hails from a canny outfit and another with hope if fancied in the betting. Pearl Noir may be worth a few quid at huge odds because he could be backed.