Sir Roger Moore is held in high regard by Charlie Hills but seems dogged by bad luck. Last start saw a wall of horses at Goodwood, which pretty much ruined this colt's chances. He would have gone close to winning that day and in many respects we could have been hopeful of a fair bet today. A wide draw in stall fourteen doesn't make life easy. Will it be enough to stop this son of Kodiac going well? It certainly isn't a positive but I would respect this horse if he can sit in a handy position without blowing a gasket trying to get to the front. That's the gamble.
Dancing Star has the prime stall and it's good to see the Balding two-year-olds running better of late. There has been something amiss with many of their debutantes. This daughter of Aqlaam with appreciate an extra furlong and Kingsclere Stables do well with fancied juveniles on their second start. Drawn one is a bonus and if leading, could take some pegging back.
Richard Hannon's Dark Forest was made favourite on debut at Newmarket. This son of Iffraaj was a 120,000GNS yearling and been off course for a good while. It isn't beyond the realms he could go well although he doesn't hold any flashy entries at this stage.
Gandvik was relatively fancied on debut but little went right. He belied huge odds of 50/1 at Sandown when stepped up to seven furlongs. He pulled hard but kept going for a long way and in many ways that was a bold show. The Channon string are in good form and this drop back in distance should help him settle.
Conclusion: Dancing Star will improve a good deal, although taking on the colts. Balding's juveniles have decent win and place claims when fancied on their second start. Should go well and fair each way bet if prices allow. 1st