Irish Stallion Farms EBF Conditions Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 1m 13.77s

(1)

Beatbox Rhythm²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-13| J: P J McDonald| T: K R Burke| OR: 89| D

8/1

Runner up over C&D on debut in July, and struck next time at Pontefract (6f soft) keeping on strongly to beat Chief Justice by 4L. Possibly outclassed in the Group 3 Acomb (7f) at York latest, but this drop back in trip is a plus.

Form: 217

(2)

Shabaaby²⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 8-13| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| D

13/8

Beaten by a couple of subsequent Group 3 winners (Nyaleti and Billesdon Brook) when third over this trip on debut at Salisbury in June, but handled softer conditions well when a ready 3¾L winner of a 6f novice stakes at Newmarket in mid August.

Form: 31

(3)

Demons Rock²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: R Kingscote| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 102| D

6/4

Found his feet after moderate beginnings, and is unbeaten in four starts since upped to 6f. Has rattled through nurseries employing front running tactics, rising 27lb in the weights. Up in class, but deserving after his latest York victory.

Form: 521111

(4)

John Kirkup²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| OR: 92

9/2

A three time winner (all over 5f), but appears to have no problem with this trip based upon a couple of solid efforts at York. Something to find with Demons Rock on their York clash last month, but he didn't quite get the run of the race that day.

Form: 711214

Forecasts

Demons Rock (6/4), Shabaaby (13/8), John Kirkup (9/2), Beatbox Rhythm (8/1)

Demons Rock arrives in fine form seeking the five-timer after rattling through nursery handicaps with his customary swashbuckling make all tactics. He disposed of a competitive field of 16 others at York last month (including the fourth placed John Kirkup) and it would be foolish to take him on lightly. However, SHABAABY also appeared to be going places quickly when a decisive winner at the second time of asking (with cut) at Newmarket. He undoubtedly needs to find further improvement at this level, but he's unexposed and his Salisbury debut effort reads very well with the benefit of hindsight, so he gets the narrow vote.