smoothly and touching odds on. For all the world this bay gelding looked the winner but caught close home by a strong finisher. As it turned out that was a pretty strong race with Hototo finishing third (unlucky not to win after being hampered) who went on to win at Listed class in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot then finding the end of the rainbow winning the DBS Premier Yearling Stakes. Boxing Shadows was sent to Beverley on his second start and I expected a big performance. Finishing third was no disgrace although it seemed to fall a little short. That race was run at the beginning of June and we haven't seen this youngster since. Whether there was an issue that day we can only assume although he returns a gelding. I have seen Smart follow this path many times before, returning late in the season to take the spoils and I would be surprised if this horse doesn't win.
Funnily enough, Finaz made his debut in the same race at Musselburgh as Boxing Shadows. This son of Bertolini was well backed that day but a tardy start and finding trouble in running compromised his chances. He has changed stables a couple of times since starting his career with Keith Dalgleish. He remains in the ownership of The Unique Partnership. This bay colt has show glimpses of ability although beaten a good way when placed. This colt gives the impression he is a tricky horse to win with and has been outpaced at the two pole over this distance before plugging on. After racing over 7f last time, it wouldn't surprise me if he is slightly outpaced on this turning course. In such a weak race it would be foolish to say Finaz cannot win but he may have to play second fiddle to the Smart juvenile.
Another horse who hasn't been seen for a couple of months is Clear Loch. John Spearing's charge was a huge price on debut when finishing second at Bath. He looked very inexperienced that day but plugged on in pleasing style although that was a pretty poor race and could well have been flattered to some extent. He was fancied to go well at Leicester over 7f but pulled terribly hard and had no chance. On that performance you have to think he boiled over or has temperamental problems. Connections may be dropping back in distance which may take the edge of such tendencies although breeding suggests further will be needed in time. The fact he was fancied to go well last time is a positive. However, this grey looks a touch wild eyed and a horse you would need to view before betting. I would take a watching brief.
Of the debutantes, Gift Of Music is a home bred owned by J C Smith who is one of the leading owners for James Eustace. This filly is the granddaughter of the brilliant Loch Song. In fact the mare, Loch Verdi, was an out and out sprinter a multiple winner achieving a Listed class victory and highest official rating of 97. The stable are difficult to assess although they have had the odd winner on debut. In general, they need the run but money often talks with the yard and if backed would figure.
Alfaisaliah was a relatively cheap buy trained by Stan Moore. This daughter of Red Clubs is out of a winning mare. The stable don't feature the best win rate with their debutantes but every so often one pops up, mostly there better juveniles. Probably best watched.
Copper Leyf may need further and would need to be substantially backed to make appeal.