A Maiden Auction Stakes over 5f 11y on firm ground.
This restricted race looks ideal for one horse to finally gain that elusive first success - Vestibule. Eve Johnson Houghton's chestnut filly has been very unlucky to have not won a race or two. A combination of talented juveniles in opposition and a disliking for soft ground must have had her handler banging her head against the wall. This daughter of Khelefy is a neat little horse who is deserving of a win. This will most likely be her high or low. It is remarkable she has kept a willing attitude because so many juveniles would have regressed by now. There is always the fear that the wheels will fall off the wagon but I would keep the faith. This February foal is probably best suited by 6f but there is little to knock those efforts over the minimum trip. It could well pay to finish the race with some verve. If she runs near to the best of her form this will be a good victory.
2:00 Newcastle
Intrepid was expected to run a big race at Newmarket but ran terrible. Jeremy Noseda is a class trainer and this son of Invincible Spirit a costly yearling purchase. He ran a superb race on debut and there must have been something amiss second start. If strong in the betting this two-year-old will take all the beating. Loch Moy is worth noting if touching an each way price and looks a fine bet for a place. Fahey's juvenile was fancied on debut and that was a hot maiden. A debutante to follow could be Rust. Ann Duffiled has Sun Hill crammed to the rafters with two-year-olds and she has mentioned this son of Elnadin as a colt with a ''lot of quality''. The stable can be hit and miss with their debutantes and I would take a watching brief today simply because it will take a smart horse to beat those at the head of the market. However, I would follow this American bred colt, especially on his second start.
