Equity was fancied to go well when made favourite on debut over course and distance. This chestnut colt was well backed but never in the best position after being slightly checked after the start. David Brown is a talented trainer and you can pretty much guarantee better was expected. This son of Equiano ran on in the closing stages. By class, this is a tougher race and unless seriously backed, I would take a watching brief.
Hugo Palmer [pictured] has a decent string of two-year-olds and Evergate was expected to win on debut. Racing in the familiar silks of V I Araci, this good-looking son of Exceed And Excel ran a sterling race but try as he may couldn't quite overhaul the experienced Nibras Bounty, who disappointed on debut but held in some regard by Richard Hannon. It is slightly difficult to assess the form of that race although I would expect a big run here and each-way odds are available, this March foal looks a sound bet.
Hyde Park was entered to run but withdrawn. John Gosden is another trainer to respect and the Abdullah juveniles are well-bred and often ready to go. This home-bred son of Oasis Dream would have fair win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less in the betting. If weak in the market, best best watched.
Saeed bin Suroor has been in excellent form with this season's two-year-olds. They have been coming to the course fit and ready for action rather than needing the race and that bodes well for Thunder Snow. This bay colt is a son of Helmet out of a once-raced French mare.
It's worth keeping an eye on the betting fro Jumira Prince. This son of Exceed And Excel seems a little weak in the betting at the time of writing [11/1] but this colt was purchased by the trainer at the yearling sales for 400,000E. If backed to 13/2 & less SP would be another to figure in this competitive heat.
Conclusion: The major protagonists are - unsurprisingly - those at the head of the betting. Saeed bin Suroor has been in fine form and Godolphin has blue-blooded horses aplenty. Their two-year-olds have been going very well on debut this term. Whether you wish to jump in at relatively short odds is a matter of debate and although respecting this colt I don't like to take short prices on debutantes. He along with Hyde Park and Jumira Prince has each-way claims if priced 13/2 & less. Considering Equity can race at auction class, it is a touch surprising to see him racing in this hotter maiden. I think the betting will tell his story. If seriously backed I would take note. However, I have a feeling he will be weak in the market compared with a few of these. Evergate is interesting if drifting a tad to each-way prices. This colt ran well on debut and could well take advantage of the debutantes if they are slow from the stalls. If prices allow, a decent each-way bet.
NR - Equity