A couple of juveniles have race experience including one from Ireland.
Last year, this race was won on debut by Bronze Marquette, shooting clear by five lengths, Gary Moore's filly had a trio of victories on her formative season. The most prestigious being at Listed class, while unplaced in the Flying Childers (Group 2), She attained an official rating of 104.
Taexali hails from Irish-based trainer John Patrick Shanahan. This is his first Great British runner of the season. However, this County Kilkenny handler has fielded 75 runners over the last five years with twelve winners. This February foal, a bay colt, is a son of Raven's Pass is out of a four-time-winning mare who won at Listed class, while unplaced six times at Group level. Taexali finished a respectable fifth on debut at the Curragh on heavy going.That first race had win prize of almost £10,000 and Plus 10 Bonus. He led but tired in the closing stages, beaten three lengths. By all account that was a promising debut and he sets the standard. On breeding a stiffer test of stamina may be needed and the ground is markedly different from his racecourse bow.
Jet Setting is one of four fillies taking on the boys. Richard Hannon has seen a few juveniles go well this Flat season although a little quiet in some respects. This Irish-bred filly is sired by First Company out of a winning mare. A February foal, she races in the familiar silks of Mrs Julie Woods, a bargain buy at just 7,000eur [foal]. She finished fourth on debut when relatively fancied. It is difficult to assess the standard of that maiden although Gin In The Inn won easily and looks a talent. The second [Twisting Hay] and third [Willytheconqueror] were both fancied and money for the latter named. Clearly, this is a matter of opinion and with all early-juvenile form you are taking a gamble. However, time may tell this filly has enough ability to win a small race.
Bill Turner fielded what is likely to be his best two year old in the Brocklesby and while Just That Lord finished fourth [has just about enough ability to win a race] it does temper my enthusiasm for his string who may be lesser types. Certainly, many of his juveniles to race this season have proved limited. Mustn't Grumble is sired by Intense Focus out of a four-time winning mare [Lough Mist (IRE)] who disappointed at Listed class. This chestnut colt was purchased at the yearling sales by the trainer for 14,000eur. He races in the familiar red & white silks of E A Brook. That gives some aspect of hope. Ryan While takes off a valuable 5lb claim. Although Turner is reputed as a good trainer with juveniles first start their statistics are relatively poor. After a few disappointments, I'd take a watching brief.
No Body's Fool is owned and bred by T Taplin who has horses with a number of trainers - his best horse Pedro Pete. This chestnut filly, a daughter of Sixties Icon out of a multiple-winning mare [Ownership of Taplin] won her first two starts for Mick Channon, placed in the Hilary Needler Trophy, then halfway down the field in the Albany Stakes (Group 3). Not bad breeding at all. Michael Madgwick has a small string of just five two year old. He had one winner in 2012 when Multitask prevailed, comfortably, at odds of 100/1.
The last filly of the field is Just Emma. This home bred was interestingly sent through the sales ring for just £1,100 [to gain entry to auction races]. Owner A A Byrne has had a good few winners with Joseph Tuite. I have a lot of time for this trainer. This handler from Great Shefford, Berkshire, has six two year olds in training. The stable's youngsters can go well on debut and worth noting in the betting, if supported.
Silver Springs is likely to be a non runner so analysis will not be given.
Conclusion: Interesting race in its own way with all horses having some aspects worth noting. Taexali is difficult to assess with not only early-season form but coming across the Irish sea. That was most likely a fair race with regard to prize money and he showed speed before tiring. On breeding this colt may need further and a marked difference in going is a question mark. Jet Setting was beaten by a potentially class colt on debut and time may tell those placed are up to winning standard. I wouldn't back Mustn't Grumble as the stable's juveniles have been poor beyond the Brocklesby fourth. The two outsiders do have aspects of interest and at huge odds may figure if this race if no more than average. A watching brief.