Danzeb showed a glimmer of ability when finishing second at odds of 16/1. Ann Duffield's gelding looked in need of the experience but ran on in pleasing fashion when beaten without fuss by the experienced Hawatif. This bay son of Zebedee took his time to get into that race over 6f so this drop back to the minimum trip may have him on the back foot.However, connections have made an entry at Ripon over 5f, so it gives the impression it will suffice. The sire was a talented sprinter so it best to consider the trainer knows best.
Quiet Reflection was engaged to run yesterday but withdrawn most likely with regard to the going. This daughter of Showcasing runs in the familiar yellow ad white silks of Ontoawinner syndicate who have a fine record with their youngsters. Katie's Diamond was sold to Qatar Racing Ltd & Barbara Keller after an effortless win at Redcar on debut before tasting victory at Listed class in the Empress Stakes at Newmarket. This bay filly has received a Stakes and Lowther Stakes (Group 2) entry, which suggest she has shown ability.
Ticking Away is trained by David Brown who does well with his partnership for owner John Fretwell. This son of Monsieur Bond out of a winning mare wasn't overly fancied when sent of 12/1 at York over 6f. It is worth noting that was a strong race with very good prize money. This grey two-year-old has been off course over sixty days and now a gelding, which is probably the reason for his absence. It could well be the case expectations were higher on that racecourse bow with being a prestigious meeting. The stable have fair win and place claims when priced 13/2 & less second start. In what looks to be an ordinary race that duck egg shouldn't hinder his chances today.
Keith Dalgleish is represented by a couple of debutantes: Farkle Minkus & Forever A Lady.
The former is a home bred son of Kheleyf in the same ownership of Stonefield Flyer for G R Leckie. This January foal is a gelding.
*Forever A Lady races in the familiar silks of Straightline Construction Ltd who done well with Ko Cache among other talents. This bay filly is a daughter of Dark Angel out of a debut-winning mare who raced up to Listed class at two. She cost £27,000 at the yearling sales.
The betting is usually a good guide for their debutantes and those priced 13/2 & less indicate ability. However, this stable doesn't feature the best strike rate. They tend to win or be unplaced. On balance, I would rather take a watching brief.
Arjeed, *Freeze A Crowd & Madame Barker are best watched.
Conclusion: An intriguing race. Danzeb is a decent-looking juvenile who could progress markedly from his debut at Carlisle where he was clearly ring rusty. On breeding this drop in distance shouldn't be a problem although it does bring slight concerns as he wouldn't want to be outpaced. On a stiff track and softer ground it shouldn't be too much of an obstacle and it is often a strength to finish a race. Interesting to see if Quiet Reflection races. If the going was a concern at Catterick, rather than wide draw, there may be a chance she doesn't take this race. Karl Burke and Ontoawinner know a decent juvenile and I'd expect a bold show. From a statistical point of view their two-year-olds can win at 10/1 & less. She will not be that price today. Ticking Away looks a poor relation with his duck egg. However, the form of that race is strong and it could well be the case he disappointed on debut. The stable have respectable win and place claims with juveniles on their second start priced 13/2 & less. With the gelding operation, stepping down a furlong, and feared connections I would expect this horse to hit the frame. Keith Dalgleish's debutantes bring interest but best watched unless exceptionally well backed.
*NR - Freeze A Crown & Forever A Lady