Royal Windsor Racecourse Panoramic 1866 Restaurant Novice Stakes

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 1m 42.60s

(4)

Al Battar^p1²⁰⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Oisin Murphy| T: E F Vaughan

11/4

Very expensive purchase at €1,550,000 as a yearling but beautifully bred by Dubawi. Took a keen hold and green on December AW debut but made some eye-catching late headway and one very much to note on turf debut.

Form: 6-

(5)

Closer Than Close^h¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman

50/1

Well held in both starts for Archie Watson and on season debut for new yard. Stable struggling for winners and big improvement required. Remains best watched.

Form: 0-5

(6)

Fiery Mission

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute

10/1

Son of Noble Mission and a seventh foal who is a half-brother to four winners. Represents powerful connections on debut and one very much to check in the betting market.

Form:

(1)

Vasiliev²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox| OR: 89| BF

4/9

Progressive in three strong starts so far when placed on each occasion. Looks to be still learning and when it all comes together he could be a smart type. Sets a very strong standard.

Form: 2-32

(3)

The Pastoral Bear

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Isobel Francis⁽⁷⁾| T: M Pattinson

100/1

Daughter of Pastoral Pursuits has speed in her pedigree but a first juvenile runner this season for a stable who are not known for debut winners. Best watched first time out.

Form:

(2)

Uncertain Smile²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Hollie Doyle| T: C G Cox

40/1

Daughter of Bungle Inthejungle cost €55,000 as a yearling. Ran to a similar standard in two well held starts at Goodwood and huge improvement needed. Stable also run Vasiliev.

Form: 74

Forecasts

Vasiliev (4/9), Al Battar (11/4), Fiery Mission (10/1), Uncertain Smile (40/1), Closer Than Close (50/1), The Pastoral Bear (100/1)

VASILIEV sets a standard that is that going to need some big improvement from a rival or a smart newcomer to beat him. He also has a lot to learn so he's only likely to progress himself. Al Battar has some way to go to live up to his price tag but he looked the type who would learn an awful lot from his debut. Fiery Mission is a fascinating newcomer.