An EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f 216y.
Ten juveniles compete - colts bar two fillies. Two debutantes make their racecourse bows in a field where a few two-year-olds make some appeal.
North Pole caught my attention on debut, trained by Sir Mark Prescott. Very few of this handler's juveniles are fancied on their first start and the majority with this profile go on to win in their juvenile career. This son of Compton Place is a half-brother to the very talented Krypton Factor who was originally owned and bred by Lady Fairhaven. On the face of it, that wasn't the most competitive of races and essentially this is a step up in class. Inexperience cost this colt dear that day. Turning tracks are never the easiest for juveniles on their racecourse bow but he showed promise and finished with purpose suggesting a big run today. From a statistical point of view this colt has strong win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less.
Star Of Rohm is a talented juvenile but a frustrating horse in ways. Bar one major disappointment at Ayr he has been a consistent horse but always finds one too good. I can imagine Bell will be determined to gain that elusive first win before the end of the season and a forty day absence has most likely been given to freshen him up for a bold show here. This youngster often travels with ease through his races. From a wide draw he will certainly need to be slick from the stalls but it is a concern especially if failing to get to the rail. A juvenile which deserves a win and likely to hit the frame but whether this will be seventh time lucky I have reservations.
From pole position drawn stall one, Emirates Echo hasn't been seen since disappointing when odds on at Brighton. It could be the case Simcock's two-year-old had an injury because he hasn't been seen for over one hundred days. The stable are in good form and there is little doubt this youngster has ability so he could figure but there are question marks which temper enthusiasm.
Forbidden Fruit is better than he looks. Meehan has been quoted as saying this son of Acclamation has ability but his temperament has been a huge problem. He has literally pulled his chances away with his fierce tendencies. Since gelded, he's been given time and no doubt lots of work to become more composed when racing. Today will be a test of that work. It is interesting that Meehan goes here rather than a nursery because he has an official rating of just 68. That issue alone brings concern as he would have a greater chance in that race type. It is possible he needs the run and then connections will head for the nursery route. Unless substantially backed I would expect this is a prep race.
Bryan Smart hasn't achieved a great deal with his two-year-olds this season. Space Artist is another juvenile to be off course for a long time. He was relatively fancied on debut, which suggests ability and ran well for a long way in a competitive race at Newcastle. The Smart team are a good judge of a horse and place them well. At a price, this son of Captain Marvellous could go well from a low draw and may well make a bold show.
Classy Trick is an interesting debutante for Richard Fahey racing in the Qatar Racing Ltd silks. He went to the breeze-up sales but wasn't sold for 75,000euros. Fahey is one of few trainers I respect with debutantes. If priced 13/2 & less could go well although on this turning course any signs of inexperience will make this a stiff task.
Al Udeid was well backed on debut but disappointed to some extent. If fancied in the betting he could be worth another chance.
Conclusion: Quite an interesting race. Star Of Rohm sets the standard and deserves to win a race but always makes hard work of what initially looks a fluent stride. A wide draw makes this a test from the start and although respected I fear something will be too good. North Pole was fancied to go well on debut but inexperience probably made the difference between winning and losing. This is a tougher test but he will be wiser today and from a good family. Prescott's juveniles are generally primed on their second start and if priced 13/2 & less I would expect a big run. Emirates Echo could be a decent horse but has too many questions to answer. Space Artist could go well at a price. Class Trick looks the best of the debutantes and if backed could hit the frame. North Pole is the horse for me and a decent each way bet.
