I'll start off by saying I have no strong opinion for this race.
Saeed bin Suroor fields the twice raced Fast Landing. This bay gelding, a son of Raven's Pass, was fancied in the betting when making his debut in November at Chelmsford City. This May foal was slow from the stall, far too keen, and ruined his chance of ever being competitive. He was made favourite last time out this month when showing much more ability although greenness still culminated in gallant second place losing by less than one length. Cheek pieces are applied for the first time. A more professional race should be seen today. Connections will be disappointed if they cannot find a win sooner rather than later.
Mark Johnston is a powerhouse with his horses and Havelock makes a belated return after almost two hundred and fifty days. This chestnut son of Helmet must have suffered a problem or two because he hasn't been seen since finishing runner-up last May at Chester. This three-year-old made his debut in late April when second to Kreb's Cycle. After racing at five and six furlongs, this step up to seven furlongs will add a touch of stamina to proceedings.
Interesting to see how the three debutantes go.
The Eagle's Nest is trained by Richard Fahey. This chestnut son of Lope De Vega, was originally purchased as a foal for 130,000E then by the vendor at two for 82,000G. Interesting to see how the betting goes for this horse.
John Gosden has sent out a lot of debutants this all-weather season. Naab is a chestnut son of Siyouni and two-year-old purchase for 100,000E. This chestnut colt has a hood applied for this first race. From a statistical point of view, Gosden's debutante has respectable win and place claims at 13/2 & less SP.
Similarly, Hugo Palmer can hit the floor running. His debutantes are often primed to go well. Josephine Gordon has made a superb partnership with this exceptional trainer. Dreaming Time is a bay daughter of Oasis Dream racing in the familiar silks of Saeed Manana. This home bred is out of an unraced mare, originally in training with Clive Brittain. Another horse who should be respected if fancied in the betting.
Ivan Furtado's *Frank's Legacy looks unlikely to figure.
Conclusion: Interesting race in ways. I would let the betting settle if you are thinking of betting. You may weed out one or two weak links if the debutantes are lesser lights. Fast Landing ran well last time out and should be wiser for those two events. Looks the horse to beat. Havelock hasn't been seen for a long time. Johnston is likely to have him fit and ready. The debutantes have claims if priced 13/2 & less SP. A watching race for me.
*NR Frank's Legacy