An interesting Maiden Stakes with some interesting pedigrees on show amongst the 11 going to post for the £3,234 prize-money. Read on for our experts’ thoughts and betting tips.
IN SUMMARY: Zumurudee looked a sure-fire winner in the making when runner up to the highly-rated John Gosden horse Crowned Eagle at the start of the month and will be popular. That being said John Gosden will know what it takes to win against him and saddles AMERICAN HISTORY here who can be expected to improve after his first two runs. This High Chapparral colt should be up to the task at the 3rd time of asking. Shee’s Lucky has the rail draw but could be vulnerable on debut for Mark Johnston.
1 American History – Only run twice for current yard finishing 3rd of 9 on debut at Yarmouth and only managed 6th of 11 last time out at Wolverhampton 12 days ago. Wears cheek-pieces today and could be vulnerable to an improver. Trainer has an enviable strike-rate here however and will know where he stands with the likely favourite having beaten him with his highly-regarded Crowned Eagle 3 weeks ago.
2 Ascot Week – Lonhro Colt who is a half-brother to 5f winner Ascot Eye. The market will give clues as to chances on debut and best watched for now.
3 Leopard – Only race under his belt so far for Paul Cole and finished last in that 11 days ago when 33/1. Hard to fancy chances judged on that but should come on for the run.
4 London Master – Twice-raced colt who has managed much so far finishing 9th of 14 on debut at Newbury and 8th off 11 last time out here when not knocked about coming two places behind the re-opposing American History. Will need a lot more to get involved again.
5 Look My Way – 33/1 on debut when 9th of 10 in a maiden at Nottingham 8 days ago. Big improvement needed to figure here.
6 Lunar Jet – Finished 9th of 17 on debut at Nottingham 3 weeks ago when 100/1 and well behind the re-opposing Zumurudee. Nothing there to suggest he will fare much better here.
7 Screaming Gemini – Shamardal colt who could only manage 6th of 9 on debut at Newmarket last month. Some improvement here 12 days ago when only 7th of 11 but was placed that day and only 5 lengths off the winner. Has promise given his pedigree and his trainer has plenty of winners here.
8 Serenade The Stars – Finished 9th here 12 days ago when well behind American History & London Master. Ran very green that day despite having cheek-pieces on. By Sea The Stars and easy to look elsewhere on this occasion.
9 Zumurudee – Looks to have a promising future based on his two races so far coming 3rd of 7 on debut at Chelmsford when only a length or so down at the finish. Improved to come 2nd behind John Gosden’s promising Crowned Eagle. Big player judged on those two runs and stable and jockey remain in good form.
10 Ghand – Once-raced Galileo filly who finished stone last on debut at Kempton 3 weeks ago when something looked wrong. Improvement surely on the cards today but may find the front two too good.
11 Shee’s Lucky – 2 year-old Yourgunnabelucky filly who is a half-sister to a useful winner up to 11f. Yard are 18% with 2 year olds this year and has an enviable draw against the rail. Dangerous to rule out on debut.