A Maiden Auction Stakes over 7f.
An intriguing race with a number of fair juveniles for this grade.
Secret Art is a good-looking son of Excellent Art, trained by Ralph Beckett. This chestnut colt was well supported but had little answer to the finishing power of George Cinq who could well be a talent by that comfortable victory. Beckett's juveniles are often primed for a big run on debut so there may not be as much improvement as many second-time starters. A fair juvenile for this grade and a leading chance.
On the form of that race, Aye Aye Skipper is held.
Living The Life has a proven level of form. This home bred was sent off favourite on debut but inexperience and insufficient distance proved costly. Jamie Osborne's youngster made what looked to be a winning move at Goodwood when hitting the front but was outpointed in the final furlong. Whether he faded in the final furlong due to his limitation or the distance too demanding is a matter of opinion. In ways her last performance was disappointing. It was a surprise to see this daughter of Footstepsinthesand outpaced when stepping up to a mile. After a lengthy spell on the sidelines there is a chance Living The Life disappointed that day and perhaps there was an issue of some kind. Osborne holds this filly in some regard and I would expect a big run today.
Hughie Morrison is a trainer I always respect with two-year-olds on their second start because a significant number win. Countryman made an encouraging debut at Newbury and there could well be improvement on the cards especially for this step up in distance. The betting is the best guide. If priced 13/2 & less has good win and place claims.
Of the rest Miss Mocca seemed to enjoy the mud when leading for most of the over one mile at Carlisle. Ian Woods is a clever trainer and places his horses well. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Da Silva try and make all from a low draw. A difficult horse to assess but a trainer who has a fair strike rate at this course and could go well.
Conclusion: A tricky race in ways with the two favourites probably priced to chance and for the opponents not the best value. Secret Art ran well on debut and a good-looking colt. The stable do well at this course and likely to take the beating. Living The Life has run well on her first two starts but I was slightly disappointed by her last effort. With time on the sidelines it could well be the case she didn't give her running that day. If drifting to an each way price (unlikely) would be a decent bet. The betting will be the best guide to Countryman. If well supported and priced 13/2 & less I would expect a bold show. Miss Mocca is difficult to assess but hails from a canny trainer who often blaze a trail. Likely to be a shorter price in-running and could have fair place claims at a price.
