Julia Graves Roses Stakes [Listed]

                                                        Julia Graves Roses Stakes

Five furlongs dash which has produced some top sprinters in recent times, Captain Gerrard being the stand out name. A good field of eight go to post and it has the makings of an interesting contest

Hot Streak- Well thought of Kevin Ryan colt who went off favourite on debut here over six furlongs when impressing with the manner of his victory. The drop back in trip shouldn't pose too many issues and whilst the bare form has to be improved upon considerably it was hard not to be taken by his performance. Would have surely been a good thing in a nursery off of 78 so interesting his connections are willing to sacrifice that by pointing him here. Has a lot going for him on paper

Outer Space- Cost £140,000, trained by Richard Hannon and owned by the Coolmore team so it was surprising to see him allowed to go off at 8/1 on debut at Sandown. Made a mockery of those odds with a slick victory from the odds on favourite Jacobs Pillow travelling smoothly throughout and putting the race to bed over a furlong out. Looked one to keep on the right side of and must have strong claims to make it two from two

Salford Red Devil- Richard Fahey colt who had run exclusively at Chester before stepping up in class when seventh in the Richmond Stakes. Has won two of his five races and nothing wrong with his attitude but may lack the scope to contain some of the potential improvers in the field

Baytown Kestrel- The £400 filly who has since become the £12,000 filly when claimed by the Brian Ellison team following here victory in a Wolverhampton claimer. A rating of 74 shows she is likely to find this far too tough

City Zen- Baltic King filly who has been runner up in both starts to date and should be good enough to win a race in time. Doubtful it will be here though

Disko- Improving filly from the Daniel Kubler stable who has shown himself a useful trainer of two year old's this term. Put in her place by two useful sorts her first two starts she finished in front on third start when putting the golden highway to good use on the turf course at Lingfield. Left those runs well behind when a close up fourth in a useful listed contest at Newmarket earning a rating of 95 in the process. Will probably have to improve again to his the frame here

Excels Beauty- Filly who excelled herself last time when finishing a narrow second to the Lowther third Wind Fire last time. Possibly got the run of the race that day and may have been flattered by her proximity to the winner. The ratings hike she received has made nurseries a thing of the past for now and will need to match that career best to take a hand in the finish here

Mecca's Angel- Intriguing contender who comes here having romped away with a a nursery at Southwell 46 days ago. Has been put up 17lb for that victory which looks harsh given the weakness of the race however she did easily best the useful Flying Bear on turf the time before and looks ready for this step up in class. Can't think too many two year old's have earned a rating of 95 on the fibresand and she has to be taken seriously

Verdict- Cracking field with established listed form being pitted against three last time out winners who have the potential to bridge the gap. The selection is the Richard Hannon colt Outer Space who was seemingly unfancied on debut but won in the style of a class animal and can make the step up to listed class before potentially going onto even greater heights. Hot Streak was another impressive first time out winner over a furlong further and he has to be considered along with the dark horse Mecca's Angel who is making the unusual step from low grade Southwell nursery to listed contest. She deserves a step up in class judged on that and can make the frame here

1 Outer Space
2 Hot Streak
3 Meccas Angel