6:10 Wolverhampton - Quite a restricted maiden auction stakes over 5f 216y. Couple of interesting horses. Company Asset had shaped with promise on her first two starts but ran below standard when fourth at Newcastle over 6f. There was no mention of this in post race reviews but it looked to me as if the saddle slipped, which may explain such a display. There is a chance she has just regressed. The tissue price of 2/1 [Sporting Life] looks short. Would make more appeal if a price. P J McBride is a talented trainer and someone I take particular note with his two-year-olds on their second start. Squash ran well on debut at Newmarket over 6f behind Lady Macapa, White Witch & Bahaarah. This daughter of Pastoral Pursuits will be primed for this race and definitely the selection. If touching each-way prices [unlikely] I would be interested. Presently about 5/2- 11/4 on the exchanges. Definitely value at those odds and high place claims. A wide draw isn't ideal but over 6f Luke Morris should be able to find a decent position.
7:00 Windosr - A number of debutantes and not to much form on show bar Alizoom and High Speed. The former has a touch of ability although perhaps not the fastest juvenile and from a wide draw may be a touch outpaced before running on at the line. High Speed is something of an enigma - she hasn't helped herself. This daughter of Kodiac has ability but ruins her chance pulling and far too keen. Hills is dropping this bay filly back to the minimum trip and from a low draw could steal a lead. With Emerald Bay likely to be short odds - perhaps ring rusty - High Speed looks a fair bet if available at 5/1 or so. I would try to lay your bet at shorter odds in-running and then hope she holds on to her advantage.
7:30 Windsor - A big field - with one or two who catch the eye. Destroyer is held in some regard by William Muir and a lovely, big specimen of a colt. This son of Royal Applause most likely needed his debut but showed ability second start before being outclassed in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2). This is more his level and from a low draw has each way claims. Grizzly Bear is another good-looking colt. Just looked at his odds on Betfair and 40/1 seems huge. Could well be backed down. He was slightly outpaced on debut and appreciated the step up to 6f at Newmarket. That was a fair race but he didn't do himself any favours pulling in the early stages and finished a respectable seventh. A wide draw isn't ideal and I just wonder if connections will be more interested in taking the handicap route as seen with Black Granite last year for The ABC Partnership. Henry Candy is a class trainer and he has been in exceptional form with his juveniles this season - especially on their second start. Noble Peace ran well on debt at Goodwood, when losing in a photo finish. Looks a good each-way bet if prices allow.
Best tips:
6:10 Wolverhampton - Squash (very good win/place) 1st
7:30 Windsor - Noble Peace (very good win/place) Unp
7:00 Windsor - High Speed (must touch shorter odds in running) 2nd (Didn't touch shorter odds)
An EBF Maiden Stakes over 6f on good going. Eight two-year-olds: two with race experience and mix of well-touted debutantes from leading stables. I will try to keep this brief [famous last words].
In Haste sets a fair standard after a unlucky defeat on debut and not best suited by Chester when competing in the Lily Agnes Conditional Stakes. Eve Johnson Houghton's grey colt ran on well that day and will appreciate this extra furlong. If available at each-way prices must have good claims.
Captainthunderbolt is interesting from a statistical point of view. He was a beaten favourite on debut at Bath in what was a very restricted race type. He wasn't pressed when headed and gave the impression there would be ample improvement. On that basic form he needs to find something. This extra furlong will help. If fancied in the betting, he has a high strike rate. Not sure if this youngster will drift in the betting. On the stats if priced 13/2 & less should be noted.
In many respects In Haste should have most debutantes struggling to compete. He may well do just that but it is worth noting a number of these juveniles have reputations as talented two year olds. War Whisper, Bobby Wheeler & Welford have been given Stakes entries, which suggests they are winners in waiting. I'd be surprised if this trio didn't win soon.
Noble Peace, George William & Willsy are best watched. The latter may have claims if priced 10/1 & less.
Conclusion: In Haste & Captainthunderbolt ave strong claims if priced 13/2 & less. The former will almost certainly be in that betting guide and if available at each way prices is worth a bet. Not quite sure what to think about the betting on the other mentioned trained by Brian Meehan. If fancied has similarly lofty claims. The three major debutantes: War Whisper, Bobby Wheeler & Welford could well prove worth opposition. A fascinating race.
