Olly Stevens has made a superb start to his training career and there is little doubt Peter Winkworth has been working his magic behind the scenes. Hoku was expected to win on debut but a wide draw and a stiff race dampened the spirits of connections. This February foal made her return at Listed class when running a fine race at York, beaten by Beldale Memory, who probably disappointed at Royal Ascot. This daughter of Holy Roman Emperor was an exceptional yearling purchase at £14,000. Make no mistake this bay filly is held in high regard and bred to enjoy this distance. It could well be telling that connections didn't go to the Royal meeting as she had the class to be competitive. Although those mentioned above set the standard, Sheikh Suhaim Al Thani horse could be a real danger and has each way claims.
A number of the opposition have the potential to be talents with stylish wins.
Majeyda made an eye catching debut at Leicester over 6f. This daughter of Street Cry is a big, strong filly who looked to be struggling mid race but ran on with real verve to eclipse the opposition. There was a lot to like about that display and this home bred from Godolphin is out of a Group class mare. As an individual she could prove to be a talent and it was encouraging how this January foal finished strongly. However, the form of that race was probably fair at best. Worthy of respect but needs to progress at this grade.
Sunny Harbour was another who impressed on debut when winning an auction race at Redcar. That was decent contest for the grade and what appealed was the way David O'Meara's filly plugged on from off the pace to shoot ahead in stylish fashion. The placed horses are of a winning level and this daughter of Indian Haven could improve for this second start. Once again, this will be a stiff ask and a good few lengths need to be found to trouble the favourites. I wouldn't back this horse if priced in single figures because value looks thin on the ground.
Lady Chantilly is a good-looking daughter of Kodiac and showed a willing attitude to win on debut. The second prevailed next start to frank the form. Jo Hughes' youngster wasn't fancied in the betting that day and the leaders went a stride too fast. There is a slight fear she was flattered. Much more is needed.
Lady Lydia has been handle with great care by Michael Wigham and the booking of Frankie Dettori is a positive. A cheap purchase she may have been, but a beautifully strong filly who will put many of these in the shade. A capable sort but a tough ask.
Love In The Desert won well enough at Thirsk but another who doesn't look value at the prices.
Disko will improve for this step up in class but it would be a surprise to threaten the leading lights.
Jive, Rough Courte & Sweet Alibi look outclassed.
Conclusion: Fig Roll sets the standard and one of two horses who have been dropped in class. A small filly, she bellies her stature with gutsy performances and if touching each way prices should hit the frame. Ventura Mist is another who deserves respect. There is a chance this extra furlong will bring further improvement and being beaten by Hannon's charge she will be much bigger odds, which could make a fair value bet. Hoku will enjoy this new trip and bypassing Royal Ascot speaks well for Olly Steven's two-year-old. Could be the dark horse of the field. Majeyda will probably start favourite. Godolpin's winner could be a class act but she needs to improve and at short odds would have to be a watching brief. Sunny Harbour has potential but there looks little value at relatively short odds. Fig Roll would get my vote if touching each way prices.