Saeed Bin Suroor trains two of the leading lights, racing in the familiar royal blue silks of Godolphin.
Wickhambrook was made favourite on his debut when showing little ability behind the talented Extortionist. This chestnut son of Dubawi was fancied when making his return over 6f at York. That looked a strong race and it was noticeable how much his jockey [William Buick] coasted to the line in fourth when victory was lost. This juvenile may have been slightly disadvantaged running nearer the stands' rail although he is a lively sort with good pace. A wide draw could well test both rider and horse. It will be interesting to see whether De Sousa tries to get to the rail because that is very much the gamble for those considering a wager. With two starts under his belt, there must be a good chance this wide draw can be negated.
Chord Chart races in the first colours and was sent off 13/8f on debut. This son of Acclamation out of a Listed-placed mare was a 140,000gns yearling purchase. This January foal showed good pace at Nottingham and looked to hold every chance before tiring in the closing stages to finish 5th. After studying this race, there is little doubt in my mind the leading trio went a shade too fast and the eventual winner [Know Your Name] was slightly flattered, beating tiring horses. This bay colt is closely matched with Bounty Hunter, who has shown ability on a couple of starts. Chord Chart struggled to finish the race at Nottingham and ideally needs to be fitter for today's performance. Improvement should be forthcoming although any weakness in the finish would be a concern.
Bewitchment has a prime draw and home bred filly from Cheveley Park Stud. This daughter of Pivotal is out of a Listed-winning mare, who was trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Bewitchment was quite weak in the betting on debut but ran well although not the class of Princess Noor who has since performed creditably at Royal Ascot. Beating the likes of Memory Styx was a superb effort and illustrates that Sir Mark Prescott's charge has a proven level of form. She was made odds-on favourite next time out over 6f at Brighton. In ways that race is difficult to assess as the winner [Vigor] cruised to an effortless victory. To be fair, that seemed a touch disappointing. However, it could well be the case David Simcock's victor is just a smart horse who will be competing at pattern class. It is possible she will be a better horse on the all weather and reason connections have returned. Being just one of two fillies in the field sets a stiff task against the colts but she may be up to the challenge. Considering she looked to have ample improvement on her debut it is wise to respect this youngster.
Without Truth hails from Ed McMahon's stable who goes well at this course. Racing in the familiar lime-green silks of John Fretwell, this son of Excellent Art has been relatively supported on the exchanges. If substantially backed he may have place claims although a wide draw and racing against the headline trio of experienced, talented juveniles will make this a tough ask. I would have to take a watching brief.
Of the others, Ellalan may have claims if backed but another who may find this a steep learning curve, especially making his debut on a turning course.
The others are best watched.
Conclusion: A tricky race which is most likely out of the three favourites Chord Chart, Bewitchment & Wickhambrook. In ways all have something to prove which brings question marks. Bewitchment has enough ability to win a race and should progress with racing. Her second start looked a touch disappointing but it is more likely she was beaten by a smart opponent. A low draw is a big advantage and she enjoys this surface. A compact horse, this turning course will hold no fears. Sir Mark Prescott will probably tell Catlin [jockey] to press on and if stealing a lead it could prove a deciding factor. Chord Chard went too fast at Nottingham and paid the price. If improving for that race, he could go well. A good-looking colt, there will be no excuses today. Wickhambrook has to deal with a wide draw which is never good news on this turning course. If forced to run wide it would be a negative. However, he looks a lively sort and with inexperienced/limited horses in opposition he should sit handy and run his race. On form I would slightly favour him out of the Godolphin pair. All three have sound place claims. From a low draw Bewitchment would get the nod but only as an each way wager.