Bazuka/EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 18:12 | Winning time: 1m 23.83s

(4)

Astronaut

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: W J Haggas

10/1

Olympic Glory half-brother to useful juvenile 5f/6f winner Thammin from a good family. Top yard has a 14-54 record with two-year-olds here in recent years, and can ready a newcomer. Shortlisted.

Form:

(6)

Flash Sentry²⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: G Mosse| T: J Ryan

100/1

First foal of an unraced mare, and has shown very little in two starts at up to this trip so far.

Form: 78

(3)

Motalaqqy

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: R Varian

6/4

By Kingman out of a Group 3 juvenile winner in France, and cost 150,000 gns as a yearling. Yard is 8-28 with two-year-olds here in last five years, and another to make plenty of appeal on paper.

Form:

(5)

Persian Moon¹²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston

6/5

Fourth in competitive novice on debut at Newmarket won by Neverland Rock, and improved when 2½L second of 8 to King of Comedy at Sandown last time, both at 7f. Sets the standard, and may do better still.

Form: 42

(1)

Prejudice

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: J P Spencer| T: L M Cumani

7/1

Superbly bred, being a full-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Postponed (who made a winning debut here) and half-brother to Pinnacle Stakes winner God Given. Afforded maximum respect given connections.

Form:

(2)

Too Many Lovers¹⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: B Doyle| T: J Ryan

100/1

Sepoy filly out of an unraced half-sister to high-class miler Delegator. Very cheaply bought, however, and finished over 10L last of 3 behind Autumn Splendour here on recent debut.

Form: 3

Forecasts

Persian Moon (6/5), Motalaqqy (6/4), Prejudice (7/1), Astronaut (10/1), Flash Sentry (100/1), Too Many Lovers (100/1)

There are several newcomers of note, particularly Postponed's full-brother Prejudice, so the market will be very informative, but PERSIAN MOON sets a solid standard, and gets the vote in the absence of betting clues. Astronaut and Motalaqqy also have plenty to recommend them on paper.