Richard Hannon has a trio of of runners, all experienced. Richard Hughes rides Red Adair in favour of Branson, while he's unable to do the weight for Boleyn.
Branson cost £20,000 at the yearling sales, a handsome son of Mujadil, who showed little ability on debut at Salisbury behind Red Adair. It was a rather lacklustre performance and although ridden as fit and ready by Dobbs, he gave the impression of being a lazy juvenile. That run may bring about improvement. However, others are favoured.
Red Adair has been fancied on both starts and shown glimmers of ability. In truth, he has bumped into a couple of talented juveniles in Cruck Realta & Maxentius who are above and beyond what you would expect to find in these restrictive auction maidens. A decent-looking son of Redback, he has been ridden with care by Hughes, not pressed when their chance of winning had gone. On both occasions this youngster has attempted a race-winning move at the two pole but, to some extent, has struggled to finish his races. Today's conditions will not be as testing as seen at Salisbury which may help him run to the line. The first winner of that race has gone on to prove himself a talented horse at Royal Ascot, while Momalorka won at Goodwood. Clearly, Red Adair is not up to their ability but this could well be a drop in class. I can imagine connections will have him primed and ready to chalk-up a win. With experience and fitness on side he has fair each way claims. Of some of the more fancied horses, he has a respectable draw and likely to sit just off the pace. The only concern is that Red Adair may not have the strongest of finishes. You can pretty much guarantee he will look to hold a major chance at the furlong pole and Hughes will be trying his utmost today.
Boleyn is a small, lightly-built daughter of Sir Percy. She was unlucky not to win on debut when running over an insufficient trip only to be foiled by a stride or two, losing in a photo finish. A bargain buy at £2,000, what she lacks in size she makes up in determination. She ran on the same card as Red Adair on soft ground at Salisbury and made a rather meandering route as O'Neil took a lone path then followed the crowd to race on the far rail. This bay filly is quite a speedy type who is likely to travel well within herself for most of this race. A wide draw is not ideal in a big field and it will be interesting to see whether O'Neil - who clearly gets on well with this filly - tries to out get to the rail or sit off the pace. I can imagine them making a bold move for the front. That was a gritty display last time and this faster ground may be in her favour. There probably isn't a great deal between her and red Adair, although he has a better draw, she probably features a stronger, more determined, finish. I like her gutsy attitude and that could see her go well.
Robert Eddery is a talented trainer and someone to watch with his juveniles on their second start. This daughter of Assertive, out of a multiple-winning mare, is a strong type who will probably make a good few of these look like ugly ducklings. An early chestnut foal, she ran in a hot race at Newbury, where the form has been franked on many occasions. The placed horses have proven that to be a good standard fro this grade. Finishing less than two lengths behind Momalorka suggests she has fair claims against Red Adair on his Salisbury third. In truth, Momalorka probably improved a touch for that debut, but there is no reason to think Front Page News will not do the same. After being a fraction outpaced mid race, she held a fighting chance, before tiring in the latter stages. Eddery doesn't feature the best win rate on debut, so it is sensible to consider, after this spell on the sidelines, she has progressed. If well backed it would bring additional confidence.
Of the debuatntes, it is encouraging to see Fallon booked to ride Alan Jarvis' Swift Cedar. Although the stable feature a poor win rate with their debutantes they have sent a couple of talented youngster to this course in past years. There is a fair chance this daughter of Excellent Art will be backed. However, I would take a watching brief.
Clive Cox is on a high after the success of Reckless Abandon winning at Royal Ascot. The betting is the best indicator for the chances of Aint Got A Scooby. This son of Red Clubs has been engaged to run at other courses so should be fit and ready. If priced 13/2 & less has fair win and place claims.
The well drawn Blackdown Spirit, a gelding, is worth noting on his second start. Rod Millman has a fine record with his juveniles but they often improve for the run.
The rest are best watched.
Conclusion: Unless there is a lot of money for Aint Got A Scooby, this looks a three-horse race. Red Adair will be primed for a big run and I have little doubt connections will be hoping for a win. This juvenile has ability, a decent looking colt, who hasn't been pressed in his two starts, defeated against classy winners. The draw is a plus, he will look to hold every chance at the two pole and then it is a matter of what he finds at the finish. This will be his best run to date but I still have slight concerns he isn't the strongest finisher and may be prone in the last hundred yards. If this was run at a crawl it would suit. A fair each way selection. Boleyn doesn't look much physically but she is a determine soul with plenty of pace. O'Neil will probably enjoy the challenge of a wide draw and he knows this little filly well. I can see him making a bold attempt to get to the rail. She will travel well and then battle to the line. I like her style and another who will go well with a gritty attitude. Front Page News could be the thorn in Hannon's side. This daughter of Assertive is strong and set a fair level of form on debut. If she has improved a length or two from that racecourse bow she will be hard to stop. The wide draw isn't ideal and she was a touch outpaced on debut which could be a problem if running similarly today. However, she is likely to be sharper for that start and if hanging on the tail of Boleyn could be a fair sort for this grade. It would be an added sign of confidence if she was backed.