Eight two-year-olds take part: two once raced and field of debutantes. Three fillies take on the colts.
Arthur's Spirit & Haats Off made their debut in the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. The former, trained by Bill Turner, who often sends his best juvenile to contest this race, failed to shine. This son of Swiss Spirit was relatively fancied in the betting at odds of 10/1. He showed fair speed before fading into eighth. On that performance, there is little to sing about. The other side of the coin, the ground was testing and horses can often disappoint on debut. I would imagine connections expected more. Turner usually tells it is as it is so pre-race thoughts may reveal they are still hopeful. Best take a watching brief although not impossible to show more.
Haats Off is a chestnut daughter of Haatef. Brian Barr isn't known for having smart juveniles and reason she was 66/1. In truth, this January foal showed excellent pace before tiring at the furlong pole. I imagine they went a little too fast although the soft ground may have been the cause of her downfall. With experience onside, connections may blast from the stalls and gain a lead. Whether she will hold that pace to the line is the gamble.
Brian Barr's Brahma Kamal was entered to run in the Brocklesby but withdrawn most likely due to the soft going. This bay colt cost 14,000G at the yearling sales.
Interesting to see how Robyn Brisland's string goes this season. He had a few fair juveniles last year. Insanto was similarly entered for the Brocklesby but didn't take part. This son of Charm Spirit and cost just 2,500G. The mare enjoyed a trip.
Ontoawinner and Karl Burke are no stranger to success. Majestic Appeal is worthy of note, especially if fancied in the betting. This April foal is a son of Heeraat and 20,000E yearling purchase by the trainer. One for the shortlist.
Two trainers who can hit the floor running are Richard Fahey and David Evans.
North Korea is a daughter of Bungle Inthejungle out of a multiple-winning mare who prevailed on debut. A relatively cheap yearling purchase at just 5,500E. Evans is never the easiest of trainers to assess on debut. They can go very well or fail to shine. The betting is the best guide.
Richard Fahey is a trainer to respect with debutantes. His racing club do pretty well, so it is worth noting Mr Buttons. This son of Elzaam cost 21,000G at the yearling sales. The stable had the third in the Brocklesby, which gives them form with Haats Off and Arthur's Spirit.
Tony Coyle had the second in the Brocklesby, with a fair sort in Brocken Spear. *Maggies Passion is a bay daughter of Sir Percy. The mare enjoyed a trip so may need further in time.
Conclusion: A race to watch. A couple of form horses from the Brocklesby Stakes. Haats Off showed good pace but difficult to assess in some ways. Arthur's Spirit showed little but may be better simply because Turner often sends his better horses to compete in the race he debuted. Of the unraced, Majestic Appeal is worthy of interest from a stable who can go well on their racecourse bow. Mr Buttons hails from a stable who know the time of day and form lines with the two raced. North Korea is another from a trainer who can shine and if backed would bring added confidence. This doesn't look the strongest of heats. I'll be taking a watching brief.
NR: Maggies Passion