An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f 26y on good to firm ground.
A field of mostly experienced but lightly-raced juveniles: a couple of debutants, while two fillies take on the colts.
Tamarkuz is a rare runner for Saeed Bin Suroor at this course. However, the trainer features an impressive strike rate with juveniles here and, in general, on their second start. This chestnut colt by Speightsown was an expensive yearling purchase at $325,000. He was fancied on his debut at Newmarket when partnered by Dettori, finishing a creditable 4th. The form of that race has been franked with the second winning on his next start.This youngster doesn't hold any flashy engagements but this race shouldn't take the world of winning and must be respected. The horse to beat.
Ed Dunlop is a trainer who often slips under the radar but an excellent trainer, especially when his juveniles are fancied in the betting. Red Avenger was nibbled in the market when making his debut at Leicester in early June. On balance, that was a fair introduction behind a couple of talentes. A breeze-up purchase costing 175,000gns, this must be one of the more expensive two-year-olds in the stable.I noted this youngster on debut because I remembered seeing he had been entered to run in a stakes race, which is often an encouraging sign. This American-bred colt needs a stiffer test of stamina and certainly gave that impressing when finishing with some purpose after being outpaced. R Arculli is an intriguing owner because many of his horses need the run and they can improve significantly on their second start. Red Avenger was given a pleasing introduction to gain experience and enjoy his racing bow. It would be no surprise to see this colt run a big race, especially so if strongly fancied in the betting.
Saved By The Bell is one of the more interesting debutantes. This Irish-bred colt was sold for 100,000euros as a foal and then not sold as a yearling when reaching £120,000. Clearly, someone must have high expectations. Brian Meehan had this colt entered to run at Sandown and also, notably, more lofty entries for the Champagne Stakes (Group 2) & Racing Post Trophy (Group 1). Meehan often sends his better juveniles to race at Sandown and I would imagine this son of Teofilo is held in some regard. The stable's juveniles often improve for their initial experience but the better types can win on debut. If fancied in the betting I would take note. It's never easy to win at the first time of asking but this horse may have higher ambitions than most.
Of the rest, Rockpool hails from a stable who have been going well with their two-year-olds of late. Roger Charlton's debuatntes can win on their racecourse bow but generally priced 13/2 & less when proving victorious. This chestnut filly is a home bred although it should be noted that her relatives fetched little money at the sales. The betting will be the best guide to her chances. I would take a watching brief against the colts.
Epic Battle showed little ability on debut but was half fancied in the betting. William Haggis is a talented trainer and if backed to 13/2 & less has sound each way claims.
Conclusion: Tamarkuz sets the standard for Saeed Bin Suroor after a fair debut effort at Newmarket. This stable have a supreme win and place rate with fancied juveniles on their second start and must be respected. This expensive colt is probably priced to chance but the opposition will need to show a fair level of ability to make a stand. Red Avenger hasn't been seen for a while, so the betting could be a fair reflection of his well being. If particularly weak in the market it would be a concern. However, there was much to like about that first effort at Leicester, running over an insufficient trip when nibbled in the betting. We could see a different horse today. R Arculli is one of those owners who likes to give his juveniles an easy introduction. They often improve a good deal on their debut effort and this juvenile has a price tag which suggest he is worthy of note. If priced 13/2 & less I would expect a big run and a solid each way selection. The rest of the field need to improve to figure. Epic Battle could be of interest if strongly supported. But it could be debutant Saved By The Bell who marks himself as the main danger. Brian Meehan clearly holds this colt in some regard and it is interesting they were considering going to Sandown, which has been a significant starting place for a number of their most talented two-year-olds. If fancied in the betting he could go well.
