bet365 Maiden Auction Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 2m 28.62s

(1)

Mind The Crack²¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 82

1/3

Plenty to like in three runs last year, including third in Newmarket maiden (1mf2f, good) when last seen in October. Steps up in trip on return and looks likely sort for trainer in form.

Form: 243-

(3)

Dubai Philosopher³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: C Lee| T: M L W Bell

7/2

Only beaten 1L into third on debut at Newcastle last year, filled same berth on return at Wolverhampton, though not showing same promise. Up in trip for turf debut.

Form: 3-3

(5)

Ydra^b²³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A Watson| OR: 70

12/1

Failed to progress in three AW runs before disappointing on turf/handicap debut at Wetherby (1m6f, good to soft) recently having been gelded. Needs much more.

Form: 2347

(4)

Kalaya¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: David Probert| T: A Watson

40/1

Filly makes some appeal on pedigree, though not really showed enough in her two starts at Southwell (AW) and Windsor to merit support here. Can do better in time, however.

Form: 40

Non-Runners

(2)

Little India³⁰

Weight: 8-9| Age: 3

T: K R Burke J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Mind The Crack (1/3), Dubai Philosopher (7/2), Little India (11/2), Ydra (12/1), Kalaya (40/1)

Mark Johnston's horses are running well and they are always to be feared when going up in trip. MIND THE CRACK showed plenty to work on last year in three runs, including a placed effort at Newmarket when last spotted. This appears a good starting point for him. Little India may well prove the main danger, though Dubai Philosopher likely has a bit more to offer than he showed on comeback at Wolverhampton and rates an interesting turf debutant.