A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 6f on standard to slow conditions. A seven-strong field of colts, including one gelding, three debutantes.
The Burke team have been in fair form of late and Letstalkaboutmoney, an early foal by Redback, is a colt held in some regard by connections. He was fancied to go well on debut and sent off relatively short odds but found the minimum trip much too sharp. This cheap purchase was held back until the first seven furlong races and the money came for this strong colt on his second start at Haydock. Backed from big odds on the exchanges, the support continued and a much-improved performance was seen. In truth, this bay colt was very unlucky not to win on the nod. The form of that race looks above average with the winner and third running well since. He ran a fair race when fourth in a Listed race at Ascot. To all purposes, this is a drop in class. The main concern is whether this drop to six furlongs will be an inconvenience, especially with the visor removed. Turning courses are often favoured by speed horses and this youngster will need to sit in a handy position. He didn't lacked for pace when running over seven furlongs but this will be run a much faster tempo. A leading chance if not outpaced. However, against a couple of speedy juveniles there is some concern this will happen all too quickly.
Bentleysoysterboy is a good-looking gelding but something of a tricky customer from viewing his four races so far. He was made favourite on his second start at Newmarket when racing over six furlongs. Mackay looked to be travelling with ease but this son of Kheleyf flattered to deceive and tired in the closing stages, if not slightly eased by his jockey when his chance had gone. Dropping back to the minimum trip, he has displayed an abundance of pace - if not a tendency to pull. It will be interesting to see what tactics are employed here because if held up he could well pull but if let loose may be much too keen. One thing can be guaranteed is that this bay will travel well and could touch short odds in-running. I just wonder if he is one of those horses which struggles to find a distance. He may well look like the winner for most but is a horse to be careful with as he doesn't look straightforward.
Pearl Bounty was an expensive yearling purchase at 120,000gns. Pearl Bloodstock need little introduction as owners with a supreme string of juvenile but this son of Bahamian Bounty has disappointed when fancied on both starts to date. Andrew Balding is usually a good judge, so it makes me wonder why this youngster has run so poorly, especially at Epsom. In truth, he never looked to be travelling on his second start so whether the ground or course didn't suit only time will tell. I expected a bold show that day and he needs to raise his game to hold any chance on this turning course. Best watched.
Another horse with something to prove is Secret Symphony. Not the biggest of two-year-olds, he showed moderate ability on debut but seemingly put in a bold show over course and distance when runner-up to Glass Office. Perhaps he was flattered by his proximity to that ready winner although the running at Pontefract was too bad to be true so there may be more to come. A difficult horse to assess and there are a few question marks which hardly inspire confidence. It isn't beyond the realms this chestnut colt could appreciate the return to the all-weather surface but I would have to take a watching brief.
Of the debutantes, Haafaguinea - trained by Clive Cox - is best judged on the betting. If priced 13/2 & less he has fair win and place claims. If substantially backed to near favouritism very strong claims.
Spanish Art was a relatively cheap purchase for Andrew Tinkler and trained by Richard Hannon. The betting is probably the best guide but it would take a pretty smart performance to beat the experience juveniles at the first time of asking
Whiskey N Stout has increased in each of his three sales since a foal and cost 42,000gns as a yearling. Jamie Osborne is a canny trainer but most of his juveniles are better for the race.
Conclusion: A tricky race in ways. The class horse looks to be Letstalkaboutmoney. If this was over seven furlongs I would fancy his chances. The dilemma is whether this drop back to six furlongs will be a problem. Perhaps he has the pace to sit handy? If so, I would expect a bold show. However, this turning track suits speed horses and if outpaced it would be a problem. At the prices I would rather watch than bet although I do think Burke's colt is the best in the field. Bentleysoysterboy is a tricky customer. I can see him looking every inch a winner if allowed to travel under his own steam. But will he flounder in the closing furlong? There is the additional concern that his jockey may try and hold him up. Elsworth's juvenile is very keen and if he gets involved in a tug-of-war with his jockey it would spell disaster. More of a horse I would want to lay at short odds in-running than bet as a straight win. Pearl Bounty and Secret Symphony have something to prove while the debutantes will need to be streetwise and primed. If Haafaguinea is backed to 4/1 & less I would expect a big run. Letstalkaboutmoney would be a tentative selection. If holding his position over the first couple of furlongs he will take some beating. If outpaced, it will be hard work.
