Steventon Star will take the world of beating. This bay son of Pastoral Pursuits cost 55,000gns as a yearling and started his career at Newbury. Richard Hannon has sent a number of his better early juveniles to compete in that particularly event. Hughes gave this colt a confident ride and there is little doubt connections were expecting a win. Only David Elsworth's Justice Day stood in his way, while the pair were five lengths clear of the third who had shown form. Steventon Star was given a considerate introduction and few of today's opposition will come close to that initial promise let alone surpass it. Although prohibitive odds, I would expect a comfortable victory.
Charles Hills has very much followed in his father's footsteps and a talented trainer. Culdaff is a February foal and 42,000euro purchase. The stable have a good record with juveniles at this course, which speaks well. John Grant has owned a number of talented juveniles in his time but more often than not their youngsters improve for the run.
Mick Channon has started this new season with plenty of two-year-olds and a few talents. Ding Ding is one of two fillies, a home bred by first-season sire Winker Watson out of a twice-traced mare who enjoyed a trip and showed little ability. This stable have a decent strike rate with their debutantes. Money talks and a substantial betting move would be encouraging. However, home breds are often slower to come to hand which justifies a watching brief.
American bred Mimi Luke didn't go through the sales ring, nor did she show any ability on debut. That Newmarket maiden fielded a number of high-profile trainers and the form could be strong. Alan Bailey is a shrewd trainer and the stable like to back their gifted juveniles. However, this bay filly didn't show a jot and unless substantially backed has little chance.
Flying Kyte was relatively fancied in the betting on debut but looked inexperienced and struggled after a slow start. Two-year-olds should always be respected on their second start because it is often the day they shine. Pat Phelan has trained a few juvenile winners but it would be something of a surprise to see this colt win.
Bold Max is best watched.
Conclusion: Steventon Star has outstanding claims after a superb debut performance. Connections must have been disappointed not to have won but they were careful not to press this colt who is clearly held in some regard. Unless something goes amiss I would expect a stylish win and he could be earmarked for Royal Ascot. The debutantes have their work cut out and those raced are simply not up to standard on what we have seen so far.