I will keep this short & sweet.
A poor race by all accounts and many will side with Just Past Andover, who has shown limited ability on his first two starts before disappointing at Bath. Turner suggested this colt struggled to get home that day and would appreciate an easier track. These testing conditions do not bring about confidence. In addition, this son of Amadeus Wolf has been given a couple of pretty hard rides, which can quickly sour a two-year-old. I couldn't bet on this horse because I wonder if he is regressing.
Otto The First could be a decent bet and if this had been in a larger field I would have definitely bet each way, three places. This bay colt by Holy Roman Emperor cost 15,000euros as a yearling. He was fancied to go well on debut, but was coltish and slow from the stalls. Best had misgivings about this juvenile on debut because he had been similarly slow from the stalls at home and going to the races was considered a valuable part of his education. Otto The First ran on quite well at the line although never competitive suggesting he would learn from the experience. Strangely, I have a feeling this colt has ability. It is encouraging that Best has him entered to run at Goodwood, which is hardly the sign of a poor horse. A much-improved performance should be seen today and would be my selection.
Reberty Lee has shown limited ability on both starts and best watched.
Conclusion: For me this race is about one horse - Otto The First. He was clueless on debut but that disappointment could well overshadow a fair two-year-old. If a juvenile has ability, it is usually seen on its second start. A small field, heavy ground and question marks are not the best starting point for a bet but I would have been interested had this been a larger field and three places. The one to beat.
