DBS Yearling stakes

                                                              DBS Yearling Stakes


20 2yos who were bought at the DBS yearling sales are chasing the lucrative first prize of £154,000 with vastly differing levels of ability. As ever it looks fiendishly difficult all for a good few can be confidently dismissed.

Miracle of Medinah- Mark Usher colt who has been one of the success stories of the season having cost a mere £3,000 and who has won 3 races including a listed contest at Newbury. Also has the scalp of the Acomb winner on his CV but was a well beaten 9th in the Richmond last time and suspicion is that he has had his day in the sun

Thunder Strike- Arguably the classiest horse in the race having finished placed in the Richmond and fourth in the Coventry stakes. If you can forgive his inexplicable last of five behind Miracle of Medinah in a listed contest in between those two runs he has a profile that would be good enough to win an average renewal of this race. Much feared for messrs Hannon and Hughes

Sleeper King- Strong travelling type from the Kevin Ryan stable which has taken this race the past two seasons. Looked all over the winner on debut over six furlongs before being swamped close home and has raced exclusively at five furlongs since. Comes here having been beaten less than two lengths in the Molecomb and certainly has the class to take a hand here. Just a suspicion that six here may stretch him but must be feared with his handlers record in the race

Viva Verglas- Rapidly improving sprinter from the David Barron stable who comes here seeking a four timer. His victories have all been achieved at five furlongs but the step up to six should pose few problems based on the nature of those wins. Needs to improve again but certainly not impossible that he can

Yorkshire Relish- Winner of a seller and is rated 77 unlikely to add his name to the Kevin Ryan roll of honour

Dutch Breeze- £62,000 colt who has finished runner up on both starts to date. Very promising on debut when narrowly beaten by the potentially useful Smart Salute, but took a step back from that form when beaten further in a weaker race on second start. Unlucky to break the maiden in this field

Fair Ranger- Progressive type who has yet to be out of the top three and has contested some hot races in his five race career. Beat Acomb also ran Brazos last time over seven furlongs but shouldn't have any trouble cutting back to six having already won at the distance. His rating of 87 may underestimate his ability and is a useful second string for the Hannon team

Foxy Clarets- Narrow winner of a weak Newcastle maiden last time but had showed useful form before that when ninth in the super sprint and a potential filled third on debut. Trainer is always feared at this course and although an unlikely winner perhaps shouldn't be such a massive price

Green Door- Useful juvenile from the in form Olly Stevens team who having won a decent maiden at Newmarket then finished seventh in the Norfolk Stakes. He arrives here having won a useful four runner race at Lingfield last time, although possible that he bettered that form the time before when last of three but only beaten 1.75 lengths by Emirates Flyer at Newmarket. Is what he is and should find a few too good here

Haikbidiac- Well held by Thunder Strike on his third in the Woodcote but improved on RPRs when fourth in the Super Sprint. Each way possibilities but will have to improve if he is to win and add to William Haggas' impressive course record

Morning Post- Four race maiden who has gone backwards from a promising debut. A rating of 84 possibly flatters him and looks down the pecking order of his trainers runners here

Nezar- Promising sort who won on debut before narrowly losing out last time to an unbeaten gelding of Richard Hannons. Less exposed than many in the field and is very likely better than his current rating of 81. Improvement needed but definitely considered with William Buick on board

Party Ruler- Winner last time from the Tom Dascombe team, that was a weak nursery though and he didn't have to improve to take it. His second to Finn Class, who received 7lb, the time before was a decent run but he still needs to improve on all known form

Rufford- One of the more interesting runners from the Richard Fahey team. Impressive on debut over course and distance, form hasn't worked out, he was backed into long odds on in a four runner conditions race on next start. He hung away his chance that day finishing only third, one place behind the reopposing Fair Ranger, but is likely to be better suited by this track. Likely to have had this race as a target for a while and one of the more likely sorts

Touch the Clouds- Sleeping Indian Gelding who comes here having won three on the bounce and having improved out of all recognition from his early outings. However that success was achieved at a far lesser level than he experiences here and wont be making it four in a row today

Ventura Mist- Likeable filly who tries her upmost every time she goes to the track. Has been rewarded with victory in the valuable Hilary Needler and earned some Black Type when runner up in a listed contest at Newmarket last time. Rough and ready nature of this race should suit and every chance of being bang there at the finish

Xanthos- Another horse who looks as if he would suited better by further but who chances his arm for the big pot. A ready winner over seven furlongs last time at Newcastle and bred to need further than that in time. Trainer well respected in this sphere but all likely to be happening a stride quickly today

Oasis Town- Another from the Kevin Ryan battalion who receives weight from all her rivals today. Showed she has the mettle for this kind of race when third in the super sprint and shouldn't have a problem with the extra furlong here. Has Silvestre De Sousa on board today and is a lively contender

Toubogg Happy- Filly from the James Tate yard who finished runner up to the useful Wee Jean on debut before making no mistake when long odds on at Brighton next time out. Finished third behind Party Ruler when giving that rival 7lb last time but much better off with that rival today and still has some scope for improvement having only had three runs. Trainer another of the young breed who does well with his juveniles and another possible contender


Verdict- Fascinating renewal with as ever a wide spectrum of form lines on display. The selection is Thunder Strike who offers the class angle having ran well in group and listed company. Of the countless dangers Toubogg Happy has the potential to go well receiving weight from all and the consistent Ventura Mist is another to consider for her local trainer

1 Thunder Strike
2 Toubogg Happy
3 Ventura Mist

Lowther Stakes

                                                                 Lowther Stakes


Nine juvenile fillies go to post for this group two which has an illustrious roll of honour. All bar the group two winning Lucky Kristale are unpenalised and it looks an open affair with no stand out candidate

Lucky Kristale- The only penalised runner in the field coming here off the back of a victory in the group two Cherry Hinton stakes. Beat two useful sorts on her first two starts before a creditable sixth in the Albany stakes at Royal Ascot. Sprung a shock at 20/1 last time when taking down the Queen Mary winner Rizeena. There seemed to be no fluke about that and she was possibly underestimated in the market due to unfashionable connections. The 3lb penalty today makes life tougher but should be there or thereabouts

Alutiq- two time winner from the Eve Johnston Houghton team who wears the second colours of  Qatar Racing Limited . Has possibly been unlucky not to finish a bit closer in her last two runs but on the strength of her form she has it all to do

Azagal- Tim Easterby filly who has ran consistently, winning twice, during a busy campaign. Only seventh last time behind J Wonder in a valuable Newmarket nursery and a rating of 85 shows she has to improve a fair bit to be involved here

J Wonder- Fascinating candidate from the Brian Meehan stable who comes here defending an unbeaten record. A rare debutant winner for the stable on debut when winning a strong maiden at Newbury at 16/1. Was surprisingly allocated of a mark of only 79 on the back of that so it was no shock to see her aimed at a 25k nursery at HQ which she duly won. The runner up, first two miles clear, has since acquitted herself well in group class since and she definitely warrants this step up in class.

Kaiulani- Mick Channon filly who runs in the colours of Calgary Bay and numerous other decent National Hunt types of recent years. Impressive on debut when readily besting Excels Beauty, runner up to Wind Fire in a listed contest last time, before running okay at Ascot when midfield in the Queen Mary. Not been seen since but if repeating her debut form not a forlorn hope

Reroute- Filly from the red hot Ed Walker string of juveniles who broke the 2yo course record when beating the useful Royal Mezyan on debut at York. Her trip to the Royal meeting seemed a bit of an afterthought and in the circumstances she ran really well to finish fifth. A touch disappointing when well beaten at Goodwood last time she will have to leave that effort well behind to take this

Merletta- Well thought of Noseda filly who has yet to hit the frame in her two runs to date. Was perhaps unlucky last time at Windsor when snatched up but still looks a most unlikely winner

Queen Catrine- Charlie Hills filly who has yet to finish out of the first three in her four runs to date. Finished third in a really strong Newmarket maiden on debut before sluicing up by five lengths from the useful Tanseeb at Ayr on second start. Ran creditably when stepped up in class when finishing third behind Lucky Kristale and then when second in the Princess Margaret. Didn't receive a stellar ride from Olivier Peslier that day and could be considered an unlucky loser. Hasn't got that much to find on the book and has the benefit of Johnny Murtagh on her back this time. Must have a big shout in an open affair

Wind Fire- Listed winner last time but overall has a rather in and out profile. Ran a screamer when third behind Morny winner No Nay Never in the Norfolk stakes but followed that up when a lacklustre fifth back at Ascot when favourite in the Princess Margaret over six furlongs. Has to prove she is as effective over this trip and for me there are enough negatives to take her on at the likely prices


Verdict- Really open renewal in which many can be given a chance. The key piece of form would appear to be the Cherry Hinton stakes in which Lucky Kristale ran out a decisive winner, Queen Catrine three lengths back in third, however a 3lb penalty for that victory brings her back to the field. The dark horse is the superbly bred J Wonder who comes here off winning a nursery of of 79, still unexposed she could be anything but has been well found in the market and is shorter than many with superior form in the book. The selection is Queen Catrine who has proved herself in this level of company on her last two starts and was perhaps unfortunate not to win last time. Her ready dismissal of the useful Tanseeb at Ayr shows she has serious amounts of talent and she is capable of making her presence felt. Of the rest Kaiulani impressed on debut and may go well at a price for Mick Channon who has won this twice in the past eight years

1 Queen Catrine
2 Lucky Kristale
3 J Wonder

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

Denford Stud Stakes [formerly known as the Washington Singer]

                                                              Denford Stakes Listed


Listed race for the two year old's in which seven go to post. It is a race that is usually won by a decent sort with two classic winners on its recent roll of honour. However this years field looks weak by comparison and such a superstar looks highly unlikely to emerge. However interest is added by the presence of crack jockeys Johnny Murtagh and Gerald Mosse and Godolphins decision to pitch in their representative to this level on debut

Expert- From the all conquering Richard Hannon stable but by no means one of their top juveniles. He finished behind useful sorts on his first two starts before claiming his maiden on his third outing. Stepped up to group two company last time at Goodwood he unsurprisingly found the waters a bit deep finishing fifth to his exciting stablemate Toormore beaten 5.5 lengths. This is easier and not without a chance in what looks a weak race for the grade

Lone Warrior- Likeable son of Oratorio from the David Evans team. Took advantage of a poor ride on the second, winner since, when winning on debut at Salisbury before going to Ascot for the Chesham. Ran very well to finish fifth and that race is one of the hottest juvenile contests of the year. Finished third, beaten two lengths, in a stronger looking listed contest last time. Likely to be overpriced for unfashionable connections and should run well without being good enough to win

Noble Metal- surprise winner on debut at odds of 16/1 in a decent Leicester maiden so was entitled to step up in class on his next start. He did this in the group two superlative stakes at Newmarket, cutting little ice and finishing seventh of eighth. Seems an unlikely winner here

Somewhat- The form horse who having impressed on debut was fourth when well fancied in the Chesham. He did well to finish fourth that day given that he was off the bridle a fair way from home. Was made favourite for the Superlative on the back of that display and went down narrowly to the recent Hong Kong purchase Good Old Boy Lukey. Again proving there is nothing wrong with his attitude battling all the way to the line to be beaten a head. Gets the assistance of the world class Gerard Mosse here but i just have enough doubts to make him a swerve at short odds

Speedy Approach- Well bred son of New Approach who was sent off a very well backed 6/1 shot on debut over course and distance. Travelled nicely that day but tired late on having raced with no cover throughout. Made no mistake in a weak maiden on second start when dotting up by 5 lengths at Doncaster. Trainers juveniles have picked up of late after a slow start and he has booked jockey of the moment Johnny Murtagh for the ride. Still unexposed and could go very well at a decent price

Be Ready- Godolphin debutant who has been pitched in at the deep end on debut. Not particularly well bred or expensive, cost  E43,000 and a half bother to the modest sprinter Trending, but has been subject to quite bullish quotes from his trainer. He was priced up at 6/1 when the market first opened which has been filled in to all rates down to 2/1 so must have been going well at home. Can't advice a bet on him now at current odds and despite it not looking a vintage Washington, he would still have to be a lot better than average to take it first time up

Grevillea- Filly from the first crop of Admiralofthefleet who belied her odds of 50/1 when running third in a maiden over course and distance on debut. Was then slightly disappointing next time when dropped to six furlongs when well beaten behind the useful Qawaasem. Won a tin pot maiden at Epsom last time, favourite ill at ease on the track, and is only rated 78 at present. Looks out of her depth

Verdict- Weak enough race for the grade but still an interesting contest. The big talking point is Godolphins decision to pitch Be Ready into listed class on debut and the money that has subsequently come for him in the market. The form horse is Somewhat who is coming here on the back of a narrow group two last time, and whilst he has solid credentials he does seem to lack a touch of class. Therefore a chance is taken on Speedy Approach whose trainer Michael Bell has his juveniles in good form of late. He impressed, albeit in a weak race, last time and looks to be heading the right way and at around 13/2 looks a touch of value to take this for Johnny Murtagh

1 Speedy Approach
2 Somewhat
3 Expert

400 Haydock Betfred Double Delight Nursery

                                                         400 Haydock Nursery 5 Furlongs

A tight 5 runner nursery in which all can be given some sort of chance. Worth 10k to the winner it has attracted a decent field

Suzi's Connoisseur- Highest rated horse by freshman sire Art Connoisseur, he comes into the race with a rating of 86. A winner on debut before running two solid races behind useful types his next two starts. He ran his best race to date on last start when winning a novice stakes at Chester last time. The 2nd that day is a useful sort, now rated 90, but every chance he was flattered by that victory having got an inspired ride by Chester specialist Franny Norton. Will have to improve again to carry 9'7 to victory here

Mahlah- £190,000 Acclamation filly from the Richard Hannon stable. Ran with a degree of promise when 5th behind the useful Survived on debut before improving to win a Doncaster maiden, that looked a decent race beforehand and she won readily. Stepped up in class when given a tough assignment in the group 3 Princess Margaret finishing 8th. Wasn't disgraced that day, ruined her chances by being too free, and it must be noted she was a shorter price than the winner also owned by Saleh al Homaizi. Should have no problems with the cutback in trip and dropping back in class she must have every chance

Innocently- Admirably consistent sort who comes here with 6 first 3 finishes from his 7 runs to date. Has some decent form lines with the likes of Zalzilah and Viva Verglas and looks sure to run his race. However this looks slightly stronger than the races he has been contesting and will probably need to improve to be winning off of a mark of 78

Tweety Pie- Shock winner of a maiden when beating a subsequent winner on penultimate start before being nabbed close home by the useful Azagal over 6 furlongs last time. Was probably flattered by the margin of defeat that day having had the run of the race from the front, winner met interference, but still not overburdened by a mark of 74. Must be a chance of being thereabouts running off 8'6

Touch The Clouds- As with many from his stable made a slow start to the season when well beaten on his 1st 3 runs. Won a moderate seller on 4th start before showing improved form when beating Kirtling Belle easily at Musselburgh last time. Up 9lb for that win and also loses the benefit of Kevin Stotts 7lb claim. Looks to be improving but hard to forget he was well beaten in a seller at 50/1 not too long ago. For me the least likely winner of this

Verdict- A open affair with most of the field looking some sort of chance. The selection is the expensive Mahlah who gets a massive class drop from last time and has the benefit of Ryan Moore on her back. Potentially flattered by a official rating of 84 but in the context of this race looks fairly treated. Innocently and Suzi's Connoisseur are both likable types but the biggest danger may come from the lightly weighted Tweety Pie who taking into account her regular riders claim gets in here off 71

1 Mahlah
2 Tweety Pie
3 Innocently

Goodwood 500 Saturday Fairmont Nursery Handicap

                                                            Fairmont Nursery Handicap

A strong looking 14 runner nursery competing for a first prize of £13,000, involving many of the top stables

Our Queenie- Top weight off of a mark of 86 but well worth that mark on her performances to date. Down the field on debut she then went to Newmarket finishing a short head behind Lucky Kristale, now rated 107, with the first two a mile clear from the 3rd and 4th who have both won maidens since. Bested her useful stablemate Ligeia next time and won again in routine fashion last time. Surprisingly abandoned by Hughes but gets Ryan Moore instead so no worries on the jockey front. Could be better than her mark and must be taken seriously

Art Official- Looked a surefire winner when 2nd to Parbold on debut at York. However he blotted his copybook next time out swerving violently, when looking ready to win, eventually finishing 4th. Was a beaten favourite again next time at Warwick before finally getting his head in front at Epsom at long odds on. May have been flattered by the margin that day, rider on the runner up accepted his fate early, and i feel he will have to improve to take this

Munjally- Third representative from the Hannon stable who has shown decent form in 3 useful maidens to date. Has been well found in the market each time which suggests connections think a fair bit of him, likely to have to improve to take this but not ruled out completely

Intermath- Took advantage of Art Officials waywardness when winning on debut at Salisbury at odds of 33/1. Went back there on his second run when unseating 3 furlongs out when still hard on the steel and looking likely to go close. He was the down the field in the group 2 July Stakes on his last outing. Could well be nicely treated off of 82 and would surely be higher had he not unseated on his penultimate start.

Zeshov- Lightly raced colt from the Jeremy Noseda yard. Cost £100,000 and was well backed on debut when finishing a decent third over 6 furlongs to Chesham runner up Bunker. Was made a short priced favourite on the back of that next time when scrambling home from Bureau over a furlong further at Sandown. Doesn't look to harshly treated off his current mark and another to consider in an open contest

Homestretch- Winner of a 6 furlong maiden at Windsor, form not really worked out, on debut before heading north to Ayr for a nursery over 7 furlongs. Took an age to pick up that day and couldn't quite reel in Latenightrequest. On the same terms with that rival today and will likely have to find some improvement to trouble a few of these

Mr Carbonfootprint- Winner of his only start to date at Ripon from a frustrating sort of Kevin Ryans. On pedigree will improve for this step up in trip, debut over 6, but hasn't been seen for 79 days so possible all hasn't been well physically. Still unexposed but enough doubts to give him the swerve today

Mezel- Sir Michael Stoute colt who finished down the field on debut in a 7 furlong Kempton maiden, before beating a subsequent winner when taking a 6 furlong Doncaster maiden last time. He was noticeably strong in the market the last day and possible he has more in the tank. A mark of 77 looks fair but likely improvement is required to take a hand here

Rizal Park- Consistent sort who has not been out of the first 4 on his 4 runs to date. Beaten a long way by Our Queenie on debut he was then a touch unlucky when finishing 2nd to the 90 rated Rosso Corsa at Chester on his second outing. Was found a weak race when winning at Windsor before a creditable 4th on nursery debut last time. Has useful form and on a literal reading of his 2nd to Rosso Corsa would have every chance, but there is a very real possibility that one is flattered by his rating, and in reality probably no more than fairly weighted

Bureau-Well bred Filly from the in form Mark Johnston team who finished a close up 2nd to Zeshov on debut before sinking when thrown in at the deep end in the Chesham next time out. Was found a good opportunity last time at Yarmouth and made no mistake when readily accounting for subsequent winner Chinese Jade. Looks leniently treated off of 75 and definitely a chance for her red hot team

Shot In The Sun- Improving sort from the Richard Fahey team who won last time out under this rider. Narrowly beat the frustrating Cockney Bob that day and was beaten in a seller on her last start for David Evans. Her profile doesn't suggest she is up to this and even allowing for her riders 7lb claim she must rate an unlikely winner here

Latenightrequest-  Steadily improving sort who was a game winner from Homestretch last time at Ayr. That was a career best yet she is another with a seller reverse on her CV who must raise her game significantly to figure here

Bowsers Gold- Firebreak colt who has ran 3 times over 6 furlongs to date. Went into a few notebooks when finishing well to take 3rd behind Nezar last time and is likely to improve for the extra furlong he encounters today. Gets weight from all and could sneak into the frame

Jazri- A stone and change out of the handicap. Will not be going close here

Verdict- This looks a hot nursery and many have to be given some sort of chance. Although carrying top weight Our Queenie could still be ahead of the assessor, with her narrow 2nd to Lucky Kristale now rating red hot form, and she rates the selection. Bureau looks well in off of 75 for her in form trainer and could go close. The unexposed Zeshov is another likely sort

1 Our Queenie
2 Bureau
3 Zeshov

Friday 415 Golf at Goodwood Nursery

                                                        Golf at Goodwood Nursery

A competitive and valuable nursery, with no less than 22 runners chasing the £13,000 first prize

Suite- Richard Hannon inmate who carries top weight here. Won well on debut before running the useful Alutiq to 2 lengths in a decent conditions stakes at Newbury. Out of her depth in the Albany and has it all to do to take this giving weight to all

Ifwecan- Highly regarded sort who has shown useful form to date. Ran with credit to finish 3rd to Salford Red Devil, runs in the Richmond, at Chester last time, when possibly not suited by the track. Well worth his rating of 87 but still difficult to see him fending off some lighter weighted rivals

Tanseeb- Consistent type from the Mark Johnston team who got a deserved win at the 6th attempt last time. Won well that day but has gone up a chunk in the weights because of it. Can't see him being able to win this off 87

Regiment- Well bred juvenile for the Richard Fahey and Ryan Moore team. Very green on debut he improved on 2nd start when taking a weak enough maiden at Catterick. Went back to that course when carrying top weight to 2nd in a nursery. That was a slightly disappointing run but gets the incomparable Moore on his back today and may have some improvement in him

Grecian- Dark Angel Colt from the in form Paul Cole stable who upset a Richard Hannon hotpot on debut at Kempton, before going off favourite for a nursery at Ascot. Narrowly beaten that day but got a less than stellar ride from Jimmy Fortune. Jim Crowley takes over today and i would be surprised if he wasn't better than his current mark. Must go close

Jazz- 4 race maiden who has been unlucky to run in some decent races so far. Out of his depth last time at Ascot and looks too high in the weights on what he has shown so far

Yorkshire Relish- Winner of the valuable seller at York before running a good race in the super sprint to finish 7th. Trainer has really hit form with his two year old's of late but this one still has to improve to take this off of 80

Major Crispies- Decent sort from the James Eustace stable who has finished 3rd on his 3 runs so far. Was possibly too far out of his ground before flying late at Yarmouth last time but the 2 in front of him have shown improved form since. Possible that a strong pace will suit and definite place possibilities

Shepard Gate- Suffered heavy defeats in his 3 runs so far and although they all came in decent contests still rates an unlikely winner in this

Speed the Plough- Last time out winner who represents the dominant Hannon/Hughes partnership. Runner up to useful sorts on his 1st 3 runs he then beat a disappointing sort last time under an inspired Ryan Moore ride. Not overburdened off of 77 and has to be feared for red hot connections

Belayer- Cheaply bought son of Whipper who comes here having won on his only start at Beverley for his in form trainer. Not sure that was a great race but hard to rule out completely given he is so unexposed

Baytown Kestrel- £400 purchase who has done connections proud this season. A wide margin winner on debut before being outclassed at the Royal meeting. Has ran respectively in her last 3 runs but looks to struggle in this off of 74, having finished 4th in a weaker nursery than this off the same mark 6 days ago

Flying Bear- Jeremy Gask colt who ran a blinder on debut when beaten 3/4 a length as a 20/1 shot at Kempton. Ran into a good one when 2nd next time before a slightly disappointing run when only 4th at Ffos Las last time. Feasibly weighted on his penultimate start but still looks an unlikely winner here

Le Laitier- Milk it Mick colt who comes here on the back of three runs. Has been a big price in all of those and likely to be so again here. Not hard to look elsewhere

Deeds Not Words- Mick Channon colt who has 2 placed efforts from his 4 runs to date. Left the form of his 1st 2 runs, 9th both times beaten a combined 37 lengths, well behind when running Rizal Park close at Windsor. He ran a strange race last time when looking to be tailed off before rallying and staying on for third. Raul De Silva takes off a valuable 3lbs but still doesn't look enough

Royal Connection- Richard Hannon colt who has placed in his last 3 races. Steps back from 7 furlongs having finished 3rd to the useful Autumn Lily last time out and a narrow 2nd to the 71 rated Heskin the time before at Chester. The form of his maiden 3rd over 6 furlongs over course and distance has not worked out at all, however doesn't look impossibly treated off of 70 and possible place credentials

Double Czech- Well bred Bushranger colt for local trainer Amanda Perrett who remains a maiden after 3 runs. Ran creditably in a strong maiden on debut but hasn't really improved on that his last 2 runs. Hasn't shown enough to warrant consideration here

Ixelles Diamond- Richard Fahey colt who has ran 4 solid races to date. Looked a surefire winner when running 3rd on debut but hasn't really kicked on since. Has looked a touch one paced and will need to improve to take this

Primitorio- Was beginning to look frustrating before winning a nursery at Lingfield last time in 1st time blinkers. Showed a willing attitude that day to narrowly touch off Chord Chart, received a stone, and it is possible that the penny has finally dropped. If that is the case he could go close here off of 69

Oyster- Last time winner who gets in here off 8 stone. His win came in a weak enough race but he did show potential when 5th on debut. Possible he is on a lenient mark but whether or not he is well enough in to win is a different matter

Porteous- A winner of a seller last time he is running from 1lb out of the handicap here. Doesn't look up to it in this field

Debt Seller- Trainer Luke Dace is yet to train a two year old winner and that will remain the case after this race

Verdict- Grecian looks the one to be on here. A winner on debut from the useful Munfallet at Kempton he was then given an ordinary ride in an Ascot Nursery last time. Currently rated 83 he has the potential to rate a fair bit better than that. Speed The Plough looks to have a nice racing weight and is feared for team Hannon who are having another Glorious Goodwood. Of the rest Major Crispies was only beaten 1/2 a length in a useful maiden last time and has place claims again and Primitorio having finally got his act together last time may be a threat off of a low weight

1 Grecian
2 Speed The Plough
3 Major Crispies
4 Primitorio