16:45 Wolverhampton

Monday 1 July 2019

All14:1514:4515:1515:4516:1516:4517:15

smartvetmeds.com Novice Median Auction Stakes

Off time: 16:47 | Winning time: 2m 43.41s

(3)

Moment Of Hope⁴⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Sean Davis⁽³⁾| T: D M Simcock

8/1

Won well on debut at Kempton in March before poor first turf effort at Newmarket when beaten a long way. Returns from a break and back on the AW so has to be respected as only previous winner in the field.

Form: 15

(2)

Allocated

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Joshua Bryan⁽³⁾| T: J Butler

33/1

Alhebayeb gelding makes his racecourse bow for yard not known for producing winning debutants. Dam is half-sister to useful Grandee but might be one for later in the season.

Form:

(7)

Avenue Foch²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 71

6/4

Nice staying pedigree but hasn't lived up to expectations and was gelded after final start for Luca Cumani here in October when third over a mile. Should be better for first start for current yard at Nottingham last month and steps up in trip.

Form: 7483-7

(4)

Hurry Kane^h1

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Rhiain Ingram⁽⁵⁾| T: Paul George

50/1

Dunaden gelding whose dam won over 1m2f. Doesn't make too much appeal on debut and yard's newcomers usually improve for the outing. Hooded for this first start.

Form:

(1)

Jukebox Blues

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: L Morris| T: C & M Johnston

15/2

€22,000 colt by Jukebox Jury. Dan was a decent hurdler. Yard well capable of getting one ready on debut and would be no surprise were he to know his job so worth a close look for any betting interest.

Form:

(8)

Lord Halifax²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S Donohoe| T: C Fellowes

11/4

€22,000 yearling who progressed from his first to his second run at Windsor and looks capable of winning a race or two. Extra two furlongs to tackle now but it could be the making of him.

Form: 94

(6)

Star Talent²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S W Kelly| T: Miss Gay Kelleway| OR: 68

16/1

Only modest form in three starts so far and it would be a big surprise if he was able to win here given what he's done so far. Looks one to bear in mind for handicaps in due course.

Form: 9-68

(5)

Luck Of Clover¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 65

5/1

Represents top yard but is exposed as moderate and rated just 65 after six starts without success, including in handicaps. May have found 1m6f a step too far last time so makes sense to drop back to this trip.

Form: 6-44322

Forecasts

Avenue Foch (6/4), Lord Halifax (11/4), Luck Of Clover (5/1), Jukebox Blues (15/2), Moment Of Hope (8/1), Star Talent (16/1), Allocated (33/1), Hurry Kane (50/1)

LORD HALIFAX took a step forward from his debut run to his second start and showed enough to suggest he can win a race of this nature. The extra two furlongs should also help his cause. Highest rated on official figures is Avenue Foch who has proved expensive to follow so far and has had his chances. Neverthless, he should be thereabouts once again. Kempton winner Moment Of Hope has claims if able to bounce back to that level and can confirm form with the frustrating Luck Of Clover. Newcomer Jukebox Blues has a nice pedigree and wouldn't need to be a star to get very much involved.