A Conditions Stakes race over 5f on good to firm going. Six two year olds takes part: three unbeaten, one placed and unseated rider plus a debutante from Hannon's stable.
Last year this race was won by Escalating, trained by Pat Eddery, on his third start. He disappointed on debut when made favourite in the Brocklesby Stakes, victorious on his second start at Kempton. This son of Three Valleys ran at Group 3 but disappointed.
A trio of winning debutantes make this a fascinating race - almost certainly the best race we have seen this juvenile campaign.
Gifted Master was tested at Stake class when racing at Newmarket on debut against the Brocklesby Stakes victor Ravenhoe. This son of Kodiac was pretty fancied in the betting [4/1]. The favourite didn't have much luck in running but it would have made little difference to the result because Hugo Palmer's colt surged clear of the field after being held up just behind the pace. He was coltish that day which often puts pay to a horse's chance. However, it was a sparkling display and by all account Dr Ali Ridha horse could have a glowing future.
Buratino was similarly stylish on his debut at Chelmsford City when winning readily by over three lengths. The form of that race has yet to be tested but the second and third both held entries for the Brocklesby Stakes and one cost a considerable amount at the yearling sales. Mark Johnston had a treble with his two year olds that day and all look good prospects. This son of Exceed And Excel was very inexperienced that day. Turning courses can be hard work for a horse learning his craft and in many respects that made his performance all the more outstanding. This bay colt is likely to improve a good deal for that first run and difficult to limit his ability. A talent who should be a worthy challenger to the favourite.
The last of the trio is Handytalk, who is trained by Rod Millman. This Irish son of first season sire Lilborne Lad was backed on debut at Winsdor when the stable fielded two horses, the other more fancied in the betting. Raj To Riches looked to have the aces up his sleeve but April foal nabbed him on the line. The form of that race doesn't look in the same class as the two mentioned. It is worth noting that Millman's two year olds are not pressed on debut and this youngster could well improve. On balance, I would take a watching brief.
Mark Usher's Arlecchino's Rock finished third behind Handytalk and needs to improve. Usher's horses usually come on for their racecourse bow and this colt looks up to winning this season. Another horse who is best watched although he, like the other juveniles, do not carry a penalty.
Interesting to see Aragon Knight making his return to racing after unseating his rider on debut at Newbury. Heather Main doesn't train many two year olds but this son of Kheleyf was well backed that day. That maiden often features a few decent juveniles. This looks a stiff ask and there is always a concern horses who show temperament will act in a similar manner. It is also true that a lot of horses who fluff their lines on debut come back all guns blazing. This bay colt has a lot to prove and best watched.
Richard Hannon has been relatively quiet this early season. It is intriguing they have Log Out Island making his debut at this level. This Irish bred son of Dark Angel is out of a twice-winning mare. He was purchased at the yearling sales by Ross & Peter Doyle Bloodstock for £95,000. This stable should always be respected with such a huge string of juveniles and the betting will give a good idea of the merit this horse is held. However, it would have to be significantly backed for me to view it as a worthy challenger and if weak in the betting is best left alone. It would be a supreme effort to win against this opposition.
Conclusion: A race to savior this early season - two potentially smart two year olds in the shape of Gifted Master - who was sparkling at Newmarket - and the untapped ability of Buratino who was clueless at Chelmsford City. I will be watching and enjoying this contest as a purist. Gifted Master would get the nod if pressed. Stakes races are a law unto themselves - never say never. It is unlikely Handytalk will tarnish the hopes of the major fancies. Arlecchino's Rock and Aragon Rock have a mountain to climb, while Log Out Island is set a stern test to beat such promising opponents on debut. All have it to prove. It looks a duel between Gifted Master & Buratino. Enjoy.
An EBF Conditions Stakes over 5f on good going. A decent prize. Seven two year olds take part: six colts and solitary filly. Mark Johnston fields Ravenhoe who won the Brocklesby Stakes by a short head.
Last year, this race was won impressively by debutante Mind Of Madness, trained by David Brown, racing in the lime-green silks of John Fretwell. This Irish bred son of Azamour was subsequently sold to Qatar Racing Ltd [pictured]. This two year old was kept busy with nine starts: finishing a superb second at Royal Ascot Norfolk Stakes (Group 2). Later noted efforts included winning the Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) at York. A talent these juveniles will do well to emulate.
Ravenhoe hails from Mark Johnston's Kingsley House Stable, which has proven a power this early season with winning debutantes from an increased string of almost 130 two year olds. This chestnut son of Bahamian Bounty, owned by David Able, was well backed for the Brocklesby Stakes, stealing the glory in a tight finish. The second [First Bombardment] wasn't disgraced in the Scottish Brocklesby. The form of that race looks fair. Experience counts against a field of debutantes and even with a 5lb penalty this juvenile sets the standard.
While winning experience gives good reason why this colt should take all the beating, it should be noted that horses entered or competing at stakes class are worthy of respect. It is often the case a trainer will pinpoint such a race type because they have ability. This race type shouldn't be viewed the same as a maiden - they can spring a surprise.
What are we to make of the debutantes? On first sight two or three horses hail from trainers who are class acts.
Karl Burke is a talented trainer. He has fielded a couple of two year olds this season but both have been weak in the betting - they are limited or needed the run. It could well be a significant pointer to see Haughmond making his debut at this class. Burke is a good judge and most stakes-entered juveniles achieve a win. This son of Kheleyf is out of an unraced mare. He was withdrawn from the Doncaster Premier Yearling Sale. However, this January foal was owned by Mrs M Burke (10th April), now racing in the silks of T & P Hockenhull. It is intriguing that this bay was bred by Mrs Ruth Hockenhull. The betting is the best indicator and if priced 13/2 & less has fair win and place claims.
Gifted Master has just turned two years old and trained by Hugo Palmer. Kremlin Cottage Stables had a fair mix of juveniles last season including Aktabantay who won the Solario Stakes (Group 3) at Sandown & New Providence, a consistent filly, who won the Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes (Group 3). Gifted Master is a bay son of Kodiac out of an unraced mare and cost 75,000GNS at the yearling sales. He races in the familiar silks of Dr Ali Ridha who is an established owner with a number of leading trainers. His best horse was the exceptional Dubai Surprise, trained by David Loder, placed at Group 1 level before being sold to Godolphin where it achieved further success. The stable done well last year with noted performers, which is an accolade for a relatively new trainer [started 2011]. In general, their two year olds progress with racing. Any talent can defy the stats. If priced 13/2 & less it would bring hope although I would take a watching brief.
City Of Stars is trained by Michael Appleby, who has done well with his horses over the last year and Appleberry a lovely filly far from disgraced when finishing fourth at Listed class. This Irish bred bay colt is from first season sire Lilbourne Lad out of a winning mare costing 33,000GNS at the yearling sales now in the ownership of L C Bacon [noted horse - Donny Rover]. On balance, the stable have limited/fair juveniles but this colt is best watched.
Nick Littmoden has a small string of horses but a respected trainer who knows a decent horse. Poplar is a bay colt sired by Hellvelyn out of a poor French mare. He was purchased by the trainer at the yearling sales at £24,000. The Franconson Partners & Nick Littmoden had similar lofty hopes last year with Tongue Twista who was tried at Group level although, perhaps, always slightly out of her depth. With connections starting Poplar here it would suggest they hold similar ambitions.
The only filly in this field - taking on the boys. Swirral Edge is a bay daughter of Hellvelyn out of a poor, sprinting mare. She was purchased by for £10,500 at the yearling sales and still in the ownership of Brown. This factor could be a slight negative. The stable have fair win and place claims when priced 13/2 & less. Considering Tribesman beat First Bombardment in the Scottish Brocklesby [who lost narrowly to Ravenhoe on debut] connections could have a line to what it takes to beat the favourite. The booking of Atzeni is questionable as he has ridden very few times for this yard. However, he may have been ideal to make the 8-4 weight. There could be a few negatives regarding this horse. They would be dispelled if fancied in the betting. If weak in the market I would not bet.
Salt Lake Sooty is sired by Arabian Gleam out of a poor mare. This grey colt wasn't sold when sent to the sales as a foal.Trainer Denis Quinn is based at Newmarket with just one two year old to race in the last five years. Noel Garbutt takes off a valuable 5lb. Best watched.
Conclusion: In many respects this is a one-horse race with Ravenhoe achieving a winning level of ability. Mark Johnston had a few candidates for this race and although the Brocklesby form may not be outstanding he sets the level and will take some beating. A 5lb penalty may be negated by the opposition being debutantes. The betting is the best guide for those making their racecourse bow. If Haughmond, Swirral Edge & Gifted Master are priced 13/2 & less they all have each way claims. Poplar and Salt Lake Sooty are best watched.
