Copacobana has ability but been unlucky to have found a couple of stiff races. Her fourth over course and distance has worked out very well. After a few runs there is a chance this bay filly is regressing. After showing pace over 6f in nursery company, she weakened out of contention. Could have a claims but would need to be a big price and I have a feeling one or two debutantes will steal the show.
Girl In A Bentley has tremendous speed over three furlong and looks the type to lay at shorter odds in running.
Baby Ballerina is clearly held in some regard by Brian Ellison but she is likely to be outpaced and running on at the finish. Much bigger odds will be available mid race.
John Quinn knows his horses and Al Zubarah cost £120,000 at the yearling sales racing in the familiar silks of Al Shaqab Racing. The betting will be the best guide. If priced 13/2 & less has respectable win and place claims.
Three over debutantes are worthy of note - all have been given significant entries as detailed on Group Horse.
Ann Duffield have been in good form with her two-year-olds and they can go well on debut although you get a mixed bag. Harmonic Wave is a daughter of Zebedee and cost £40,000 at the breeze-up sales for long-standing owner John Dance. A wide draw isn't ideal. This bay filly has been given a stakes race entry which may be a sign of confidence.
Karl Burke is a superb trainer of juveniles and Ontoawinner syndicate have excelled with their string of horses. *Quiet Reflection catches the eye and I would be surprised if this daughter of Showcasing out of a winning mare doesn't have ability. She was purchased by the trainer for £44,000 at the breeze-up sales and interestingly given a stakes and Lowther stakes (Group 2) entry of late. The stable have three debutantes entered at this stage. Spigot Lodge can ready a juvenile for its racecourse bow and they can win at odds of 10/1 & less. This February foal could well be backed and it may pay to get your bets on early. Will appreciate an extra furlong in time but a live hope. *NR
David Barron is very selective with his lofty entries and Lady Clair has been noted at the first entry stake of the Lowther stakes (Group 2). This daughter of Canford Cliffs is out of an unraced mare. Another breeze-up purchase at 55,000euro, in the ownership of White Rose Racing. Well drawn in stall four, this bay filly would have claims if priced 10/1 & less on debut.
Summary: An intriguing race - particularly interested in Quiet Reflection for Karl Burke and the Ontoawinner syndicate. I've detailed this race early so readers can take note of the betting for this horse. I have a feeling she will be substantially backed. Lady Clair could well have ability and if seriously backed will go well. With Quiet Reflection being a non runner I would give Lady Clair a big shout.