Burning The Clocks was fancied on debut at Leicester and showed distinct promise. This Irish son of Tagula, looks a great yearling purchase at £35,000. I was intrigued to see this February foal had been given a Stakes race entry before his first start, which is often a sign of encouragement. There was little between the first three that day. There was confidence from all connections and time may tell that was a strong race. Rae Guest's winner, Jane's Memory, ran a superb race at Chantilly, France, when a narrow loser at Listed class next time out. Peter Chapple-Hyam is one of few trainers to excel with his debutantes so it may be unwise to expect significant improvement. However, the form of that initial start must give decent claims in this contest. I would fancy this horse to go well if available at each way prices but that is very unlikely.
Other horses who could prove a handful are Black Granite and Barchan. Both are difficult to assess but it would be no surprise to see them show ability.
Black Granite cost 105,000euros as a yearling and ran in a hot Stakes race on debut at Newmarket over 6f. This bay colt was a big price that day - not surprising against such opposition - and looked like a horse who was sent to have a preparation race. A slow start put pay to any hope but he ran on at the finish and is capable of better. If priced 13/2 & less must have sound each way claims.
Barchan has been beaten favourite on both starts, which indicated this $475,000 yearling is capable of better. This son of War Front is a handsome colt with size and scope. He will make many of these look like ugly ducklings. He seems to lose ground when going into the dip at Newmarket over 5f and then travelled well at Brighton over 6f but simply faded in the final furlong. He either went a stride too fast or struggled to get the distance. I can't quite imagine this bay colt couldn't get six furlongs but connections have dropped back to the minimum trip. Whether he will struggle to go the pace only time will tell. A difficult horse to assess and for that reason I would take a watching brief.
Conclusion: Potentially a tough race. I think Burning The Clocks will go well but with a few horses likely to improve I wouldn't be bullish enough to bet unless each way prices are available. That is very unlikely to happen. A watching brief.