Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Novice Stakes

Off time: 15:06 | Winning time: 1m 42.6s

(3)

Masked Identity⁵⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: S W Kelly| T: K Frost

5/6

Fair way ahead of his three rivals on form having won readily on his debut at Wolverhampton over 7f earlier in the year (well supported). Improved on his debut stepped up 2f when attempting to defy a penalty (runner-up); Fibresand debut.

Form: 12

(2)

Basildon²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Cam Hardie| T: B Ellison

25/1

Newcastle AW bumper winner on debut (has a Flat pedigree) leaving a good impression with his win before he failed to defy a penalty (still ran a sound race) over the same C&D. Offered little on Flat debut (1m2f) last time; more needed (debut here).

Form: 0

(4)

Fox Mafia³²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding

11/10

Cost 210,000 guineas as a two-year-old; half-brother to several winners a couple who were considered to be smart. Looked clueless on his only run so far at three but stable in good form; capable of better if he takes to the surface.

Form: 0-

(1)

Tommycole¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Rachel Richardson| T: Olly Williams

125/1

The only one of the quartet to have run here having started his career in bumpers for Susan Corbett (well held in both). Switched to the Flat for that stable and his current yard he looked ill at ease on Fibresand last time.

Form: 57

Forecasts

Masked Identity (5/6), Fox Mafia (11/10), Basildon (25/1), Tommycole (125/1)

An unappetising contest with bar one run a total lack of Fibresand form and that is probably about the only doubt that could be put forward about MASKED IDENTITY gaining another win as his form is far and away ahead of his three rivals. If he acts on the surface a wide margin victory is on the cards. Both Basildon and Fox Mafia need to improve on what they have shown so far although the latter comes from a yard in good form and given his purchase price he should have more ability than he’s shown so far. The former is taken to fill the minor place with the hope that this surface will allow him to show more.