A fascinating race. Six two-year-olds take part: two geldings, three colts, and solitary filly. Mick Quinn doesn't have many juveniles in training but a capable handler when given the ammunition. Raymond Tooth is a significant owner for any trainer to have in the ranks and Stanhope has done connections proud in his two starts to date. In truth, this bay colt, a son of Equiano, was priced at 50/1 on debut over course and distance simply because he represented a less fashionable stable. This shows how easy it is for punters to miss the point at times because a significant owner is, often, worth their weight in gold. Raymond Tooth bred this colt who is out of an unraced mare. His debut effort, when second to detailed a fair talent and this April foal was fancied to go well when sent to Newmarket when priced 7/1. He put his experience to go use that day and led for most only denied in the closing stages when beaten into third place by one length. Tom Queally will most likely send this colt forward and make this test.
The Queen is represented by Elementary, trained by Michael Bell. This February foal is a chestnut son of Exceed And Excel out of a four-time winning mare [Humdrum] who was a decent handicapper for Richard Hannon Sr. Elementary is similarly bred by The Queen. He wasn't fancied on debut at Kempton when a 33/1 shot but ran respectably when sixth of seven. He was relatively fancied when stepping up to 7f at Musselburgh next start but a touch keen. This bay colt ran well enough to finish third beaten just over a length in third. The winner, Syphax, is well regarded although the form of the race itself may not be anything to crow about.
Deleyll is the last of the trio to have raced. This chestnut gelding is a son of Sepoy and cost 82,000G at the yearling sales. He was unfancied on debut and looks to be second string today. Most likely a horse destined for nurseries.
Philip McBride is a superb trainer and Millie's Kiss is the only filly in the field. This daughter of Aussie Rules looks to be a homebred and siblings have gone cheaply when sent through the sale's ring. Best watched. I prefer this stable with juveniles on their second start.
The tissue prices [written early] suggest that William Haggas' first string, Fareeq, will go well. This grey son of Dark Angel has been gelded and racing under the ownership of Hamdan Al Maktoum. This Irish-bred cost 180,000G at the yearling sales after 85,000G as a foal. The betting will be the best guide. Definitely, one to respect especially consider the stable have a number of talents.
Martyn Mead doesn't have many two-year-olds in training but I know Ernststavroblofeld is held in high regard. It is a good measure that Calibration went well on debut and this son of Elusive Quality has been working with his stablemate on the gallops. This chestnut colt cost 62,000E at the yearling sales. It is worth noting that he was originally entered for the Phoenix Stakes (Group 2) and still entered for the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2). In addition, a Stakes entry suggests this March foal will be winning this season and progressing, hopefully, to a higher level.
Conclusion: In many respects this is a watching race. It is an intriguing conest. The betting will tell the story of the unraced and Stanhope sets a fair level. Ernststavroblofeld should go well if his reputation proceeds him.