A Maiden Stakes over 7f 32y on standard going. Ten two-year-olds take part., Eight colts and two fillies, five juveniles with race experience.
Peter Chapple-Hyam doesn't weild the might of years gone by but few trainers are more capable or talented. Redicean is a son of Medicean by a Galileo mare owned by the High Rollers, bred by Cheveley Park Stud. This 50,000G foal wasn't disgraced when relatively fancied in the betting on debut in a Plus 10 race at Ascot. That looked a decent start to his career and a worthy favourite from a low draw.
Saeed Bin Suroor has had a rather hit and miss with his juveniles this season but features an exceptional 41% strike rate with his two-year-olds at this course. Gmaash is a daughter of Dubawi and homebred from Darley. A wide draw isn't ideal although over this extended distance there should be ample time to find a position if talented. If priced 13/2 & less has each-way claims. Interesting to see if this bay is backed. Certainly, the statistics would suggest she is over priced. If particularly weak in the market it would be a negative.
This is the time of year Sir Michael Stoute can unleash a star debutante although I can't quite imagine Wolverhampton is renowned for being the starting point for his super talents. El Cap is owned and bred by Flaxman Holdings Limited. This January foal is best assessed by the betting. If priced 13/2 & less has fair each-ways claims but if outside this betting guide I would take a watching brief.
Mamdood is a relatively cheap yearling buy at 45.000G. This grey son of Clodovil has been given a Stakes entry of late which is a sign of some confidence. One for the shortlist.
Sir Mark Prescott doesn't seem to achieve a great deal with his debutantes. In fact, the majority are sent out with little to no experience and very in need of the run. If See You After is strongly fancied in the betting it would give a different reflection but if prices 7/1 + I would take a watching brief.
Stevie Brown was in one of the trainers better price guides second start after being a 50-1 shot on debut and ran a fair race in second at Thirsk. If a few of these debutantes fail to shine this horse could hold each-way claims at respectable odds.
Tis Wonderful looks disappointing on the bare form although he ran in a pretty hot contest last time out at Newbury and was up with the pace for a good way. At 25/1, there may be money for this horse as those odds do look big.
French Silver didn't achieve a great deal on debut over course and distance when second from last at odds of 100/1. I'm not embarrassed to say i had my eye on the horse that day. I imagine you think I must have been sipping grandpa's medicine. The only reason for my interest was I noted Tony Carrol had given this grey filly a Stakes entry. I considered it might be of significance and even no wonder horse it may have been an indicator that it could be backed from huge odds. I don't think that happened, can't quite remember. May be worth a chance at speculative odds and even a small bet if touching incredible odds on the exchanges.
Quinteo & Spello are best watched.
Conclusion: Redicean is fancied to go well and holds a plum draw. Not sure if I would jump in at 5/4f. The betting is best guide for the chances of El Cap & Gmaash. If priced 13/2 & less SP both have decent claims. Mamdood is interesting. I think the Stakes entry gives some hope of ability and worthy of respect. Could be an each-way alternative to the favourite. Stevie Brown is another who may come into the reckoning, especially if the likes of El Cap are not fancied in the betting. French Silver looks unlikely after a poor debut but a month off course and the Stakes entry may see a different horse today. Obviously, it would be a hit and hope (not holding my breath) but if available at 100s to one on the exchanges may be worth a small bet and hope she is backed near the off. On balance, I would go with Mamdood but other than a small bet on French Silver this is a watching race for me.