EBF Stallions Youngsters Conditions Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 19:35 | Winning time: 1m 19.04s

(4)

Havana Star²⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-6| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan

11/4

Overcame a slow start and considerable signs of inexperience to record a staying on strongly debut success at Beverley (5F) earlier this month. Ought to be sharper for that experience and this extra furlong at a similarly stiff track should suit.

Form: 1

(6)

Inviolable Spirit²³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-6| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey

7/2

Like stablemate Jasi, with two starts so far is the most experienced runner in the race. Made a pleasing impression when outpointing Tember on debut at Redcar (5F) in April, and not disgraced subsequently when third of five in a 5F Conditions Stakes at Ascot to Frozen Angel. Up in trip.

Form: 13

(5)

Rufus King⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston

2/1

Looked well and made a pleasing debut over this trip on Tapeta at Newcastle last week when 5L fourth to the impressive Royal Ascot bound Richard Spencer trained winner Rajasinghe. Cost £42,000 as a yearling and with plenty more to come looks capable of stepping up in grade tonight.

Form: 4

(7)

Situation

Age: 2| Weight: 8-13| J: Shane Gray| T: R C Guest

25/1

£21,000 yearling and an unraced tenth foal by Lethal Force. His Dam Russian Dance was a highly rated 6F juvenile winner. Stable have already produced another well backed juvenile newcomer to win at this track this season, and expected to go well if supported accordingly.

Form:

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to all bets - deduction 25p in the pound

Non-Runners

(3)

Jasi²³

Weight: 9-6| Age: 2

T: R A Fahey J: P Makin

(2)

City Guest²⁴

Weight: 9-2| Age: 2

T: G G Margarson J: D Tudhope

(1)

Squirrelheed

Weight: 8-13| Age: 2

T: R C Guest J: Cam Hardie

Forecasts

Rufus King (2/1), Havana Star (11/4), Jasi (3/1), Inviolable Spirit (7/2), Situation (25/1), Squirrelheed (25/1), City Guest (33/1)

An intriguing Conditions Stakes for the youngsters. Both Havana Star and Inviolable Spirit have already shown plenty of promise, with the latter named setting the benchmark on his Ascot third, albeit a shade disappointing that he wasn't able to finish a fraction closer to the front two. The Richard Guest trained juveniles have been attracting much market support this term, so it's somewhat of a guessing game as to the chances of both Situation and Squirrelheed (a non runner here last month). However, another Guest trained newcomer Fink Hill finished two places behind RUFUS KING at Newcastle last week in a race which could turn out to be a very strong novice event (won by Rajasinghe). The selection posted a solid opening effort and has the size and scope to strengthen further, and he's a sporting bet turned out quickly on his turf debut in slightly better company.