Seven two-year-olds take part: four colts, three fillies including one debutante.
An open looking race.
Arzaak is a recent purchase by trainer Chris Dwyer for 25,000G. This brown gelding was originally purchased as a yearling by Shadwell Estate Company for 110,000G, formerly owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum when in training with Owen Burrows. This son of Casamento had shown form in his first three starts and ran another sound race for his new owner M M Foulgar. Arzaak run well over course and distance less than three weeks ago when losing by a neck. This March foal was hampered and by all accounts unlucky not to win. Dwyer will be expecting a bold show from this solid juvenile.
Jamie Osborne is a talented trainer. Kingofmerrows has been busy with five runs to date. This son of Kodiac was formerly trained by David Evans. Purchased at the October sales for 32,000G, he disappointed when favourite at Newcastle, but finished third when returning to Kempton over 6f. A fair horse who is capable of winning a race.
Archie Watson has been hitting the headlines as a rookie trainer worthy of note. Alkashaaf was fancied on debut when trained by John Gosden and a good buy at just 16,000G this October for Blandford Bloodstock. This son of More Than Ready was relatively fancied in the betting when racing over one mile at Kempton. He was keen behind the leader, keeping on well, but eased in the final 50y. This is a marked drop in the distance by some two furlongs so it will be interesting to see whether he has the pace to sit handy or whether this will happen all too quickly. Watson is an astute trainer, so it is best to consider he knows the score. A wide draw isn't ideal. However, if slightly outpaced he could be the type to finish with gusto.
Canberra Cliffs was a few lengths behind Arzaak when racing over course and distance. This bay filly may struggle to beat her rival although better drawn.
Termsnconditions is owned and trained by Tim Vaughan. Originally an 88,000E yearling purchase, this son of Kodiac wasn't fancied on debut but far from disgraced after being in rear and plugging on in the closing stages. It is likely this bay colt needed the race and will appreciate this step up to 6f.
Hathfa has run five times to date and never priced bigger than 5/1. This grey daughter of Dark Angel hasn't been disgraced on at least three occasions but finished no better than fourth. Al Shaqab Racing paid 260,000E when purchasing this January foal at the yearling sales. She has been tried over a variety of distances giving the impression Richard Hughes isn't quite sure what trips suits best. Connections must be desperate to get a win to make this a valuable broodmare but she is making hard work of things so far. This step back up to 6f is probably a better distance. With an official rating of just 68, she may need one or two to disappoint to be winning today.
Holy Envoy is trained by Robert Cowell and racing in the familiar silks of Newsells Park Stud (breeders). This bay filly is a daughter of Equiano, who went to the yearling sales but wasn't sold for 28,000E. The mare raced once at Santa Anita at Grade 1 level. Cowell can win with his debutantes although I find him a difficult trainer to assess. I would take a watching brief.
Conclusion: I don't feel greatly inspired by this race. Arzaak is in good form and unlucky last time out for his new connections. I can see him finishing with spirit and take the beating.