Acomb Stakes Wednesday

                                                            Acomb Stakes

A group three which has a decent record of producing decent sorts of late. Those who graduated to group one glory having won this race include St Leger winner Rule of Law and Racing Post Trophy victor Palace Episode. While two of the also rans from the 2009 edition proved victorious at the top table later in their careers. Only a small field of six this year all of whom are unpenalised having never won a group race, however it is still an interesting race with two unexposed types who were wildly impressive on debut taking on some solid yardsticks

Brazos- A winner of a valuable maiden at Goodwood last time when besting Lyn Valley who has since franked the form with a easy maiden win at the weekend. That was a good performance and this isn't merely a case of Clive Brittain pitching one of his in too deep. However was beaten by the reopposing The Grey Gatsby and would appear to have less than scope for improvement than that rival.

First Flight- Yet another impressive maiden winner from the ridiculously strong juvenile team at Godolphin. Missed the break on debut at Newbury by five lengths but it didn't stop him hosing up by three at the finish. The bare form has to be improved upon, runner up rated 73, but hard not to be taken with the display and must have every chance here with improvement looking very likely

Il Paparazzi- Royal Applause colt from the upwardly mobile Daniel Kubler team who comes here on the back of a five length victory over course and distance. The form of that race has worked out okay with the third and the fourth winners since. Whilst not easy to dismiss entirely the suspicion is this could be a hot race and he will need to improve to take a hand in the finish

The Grey Gatsby- Massively exciting colt from the Kevin Ryan yard who won on debut here over a furlong shorter when beating Brazos. Cost £100,000 as a two year old and was well thought enough to be almost favourite on debut. He was green throughout before knuckling down to see off the runner up close home. Substance has been added to the form by the placed horses and this one has to be a big player for the in form Kevin Ryan team

Treaty of Paris- consistent colt from the Henry Candy team who has his juveniles in decent fettle this year. Has ran four times for one win and may lack the scope of some of these. Beaten six lengths by Shifting Power last time he will have to improve to take a hand at the finish here

Lady Lara- Only filly in the field. Thrown in at the deep end on debut when eighth in the Albany she then ran second to the impressive winner Hot Coffee, eighth place finisher in a hot Calvados since. Was again pitched into Group company last time finishing a respectable sixth in a messy renewal of the Princess Margaret. Would have to be considered an outsider up against some talented colts

Verdict- Fascinating renewal with two very impressive debutant winners facing off. Both look to have stacks of improvement forthcoming on second starts. The narrow vote goes to The Grey Gatsby who won here over six furlongs in a decent looking field. First Flight dwelt and lost five lengths at the start, so to win in the manner he did means he has a chunk of abilty. Will not get away with being so tardy in this field however which just swings the vote in favour of the Kevin Ryan inmate. Of the rest Brazos looks sure to run his race under Ryan Moore and should be good enough for the Bronze medal

1 The Grey Gatsby
2 First Flight
3 Brazos