Betway Novice Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 14:08 | Winning time: 1m 9.37s

(5)

Global Prospector³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox| D

1/2

Scat Daddy half-brother to useful sprinter Dali bought for 800,000 gns. Clearly knew his job on Wolverhampton debut when smartly away from a wide draw and dominating his rivals. Looks useful and could well defy a penalty.

Form: 1

(2)

Highest Mountain²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: F Norton| T: J Tuite

9/1

Not disgraced on debut on the AW at Chantilly (1m) in a slowly run race, but failed to stay 7f at Chelmsford where there was a stronger gallop. Drop in trip welcome but doubtful he is good enough.

Form: 55

(1)

The Cruising Lord¹⁸⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: J F Egan| T: M J Attwater| OR: 98

5/2

Improved with each run last year culminating in an excellent fourth in the Cornwallis when enduring a rough passage. Officially rated 98 and although that may be flattering given he was 100/1 , he would not have to run that level to score.

Form: 724-

(3)

Bluebell Time²²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: M Dwyer| T: M S Saunders| OR: 59

40/1

Showed plenty of speed on last start here in September but eventually finished last of four. Probably has races in her but this is unlikely to be one of them.

Form: 8384-

(4)

Laura's Legacy¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: L P Keniry| T: A M Balding

50/1

Has looked green on both starts to date and she will need to learn quickly because there are a couple of very good sprinters in opposition here.

Form: 7-6

Forecasts

Global Prospector (1/2), The Cruising Lord (5/2), Highest Mountain (9/1), Bluebell Time (40/1), Laura's Legacy (50/1)

This should rest between The Cruising Lord and GLOBAL PROSPECTOR. The former stepped up considerably on his two previous efforts when fourth in the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes. If that is as good as he is, then he will undoubtedly take all the beating. However, he was 100/1, his priors make him less appealing and he is conceding a fitness advantage to the selection. Clive Cox's sprinter set good fractions to score with ease on his debut and the third that day, beaten almost 4L, has an official rating of 80. He is clearly no slouch and, although facing no easy task, demands his chief rival to run closer to his best than seems likely at this stage of the campaign