Tanzeel ran well on debut at Ascot, chasing home winner, Mappa Mundi, giving the impression there would be ample improvement to come. This well-bred son of Elusive City cost 100,000gns as a yearling and held in some regard with entries for the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) & Champagne Stakes (Group 2). The form of that initial start looks strong for this grade, which, by all accounts, is a drop in class. It will take a fair horse to beat Charlie Hill's charge. This is most likely a stepping stone to loftier targets.
Brian Meehan has not really hit the heights with his juveniles this season featuring rather patchy successes with a few dismal failures from well fancied horses thought to go well on their second start. This is usually the time to strike with this talented trainer. Headlong is a grey colt who fits this criteria. In fact, this son of Aussie Rules was the focus of my attention when racing at Kempton. In truth, he ran like a pig. I can't go into details but there was reason to believe - with some confidence - that this 60,000gns yearling purchase was going to run a big race. There was much optimism to be gleaned from his debut effort at Newmarket. Horses which disappoint are never the best starting point for a bet but I would be surprised if this younger doesn't leave that last poor effort in the past. For the most part this looks a pretty moderate affair and if available at speculative or each way odds could go well. It would be encouraging if this May foal was supported in the market.
The only filly in the field, Penny Sixpence, was an expensive purchase when fetching 190,000euro as a yearling. This American bred daughter of Kheleyf out of a limited mare has a Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1) which may be a sign of confidence. John Gosden [trainer] has a number of talented two-year-olds in his string and the stable can ready a debutante although she would need to be pretty smart to beat the boys and especially so at the first time of asking. The betting is key with this yard. Their debutantes go well when priced 11/4 and less. Considering the favourite is likely to be a hot favourite it would be telling if she was strongly fancied in the betting. If that is the case, I would take serious note of Lady Bamford's newcomer.
The others are best watched.
Conclusion: Tanzeel will take all the beating and sets the standard. He ran a great race on debut and with a couple of lofty entries it is pretty much guaranteed Hills' will be expecting a win. Headlong is an interesting horse but difficult to assess after his last race which must be considered a disappointment. The gamble is whether he can come back to form especially against a strong favourite. If touching speculative odds he could be a fair each way bet. I can't help but think if connections fancy their chances the money will follow. It would bring encouragement. An interesting horse. Penny Sixpence cost a lot of money and hails from a stable which can unveil a true talent. She would need to be smart to win this on debut and I would take a watching brief unless priced 11/4 & less sp. If featuring in that price guide it would signify a big run.