Dealer's Choice is trained by Roger Varian who is making up time with his juveniles after the stable suffered from the virus for much of the year. This American-bred filly is a daughter of Exchange Rate. She cost 33,000G when purchased at the yearling sales by Hetland Hill Farm. Now running in the familiar racing silks of J Shack, this grey went well on debut.
Shack has horses with a number of leading trainers including Mark Johnston. Many readers will remember Secret History winning the Musidora Stakes Group 3 [2005].
Dealer's Choice wasn't fancied in the betting on debut at Newcastle starting at odds of 25/1. She belied those fractions running a mighty race pressuring the odds-on favourite all the way to the line, pulling five lengths clear of the third horse.
I doubt this March foal needs to improve to win this contest.
Even money may be value!
Saeed bin Suroor sends out a newcomer. First Priority is an Irish-bred daughter of Street Cry and homebred from Darley.
A handler who can ready a debutante.
Philip McBride is a fantastic trainer and someone who has made me good money over the years. I was interested in Millie's Kiss last time out at Kempton. She was a biggish price and looked to hold every chance but faded quite markedly in the final furlong. This bay filly hasn't been seen for a couple of months so there may have been an issue with her that day or since.
She ran with credit on debut at Yarmouth behind a highly-touted juvenile Ernststavroblofeld who is trained by Martyn Mead. This drop back to 6f should be more to her liking and a professional horse. Could well have each-way claims.
William Jarvis doesn't have as many two-year-olds in his string. Spinnaker Bay has raced four times and shown ability. This step up to 6f shouldn't be a problem and one of the more likely types to bowl along in front. With an official rating of 72, she has a level of ability but the likes of Dealer's Choice must have a good few pound in hand.
May need one or two to disappoint to take the spoils.
The others are best watched.