British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes

Off time: 14:39 | Winning time: 1m 40.86s

(5)

Highcastle^p¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Cam Hardie| T: L Williamson| OR: 48

10/1

Finished third in a Chester novice where the first three were all rated in the 40s. This looks little better with one notable exception.

Form: 098/5-03

(4)

Key Choice²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rachel Richardson| T: E J Alston

9/1

Originally cost Godolphin a six-figure sum and easy to see why he failed to make the track for them judged on his two starts to date.

Form: 00

(1)

Amber Star⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: R P Downey| T: D O'Meara

1/6

Bred to want a bit further than this, but stands out in this modest bunch having finished fourth in a much better race last time (runner-up rated 80). Hard to oppose but the odds may be prohibitive.

Form: 44

(3)

Simul Amicis¹⁴³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: J P Sullivan| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer

33/1

Well beaten at lengthy odds in both starts to date. First run on turf but doubtful that will make a difference.

Form: 00

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to all bets - deduction 5p in the pound

Non-Runners

(2)

Taaldara³⁸

Weight: 8-11| Age: 3

T: B Haslam J: A Mullen

Forecasts

Amber Star (1/6), Key Choice (9/1), Highcastle (10/1), Taaldara (12/1), Simul Amicis (33/1)

Highcastle finished third in what was probably the worst novice event of the year and, with the exception of AMBER STAR, this would be weaker still. The selection is beautifully bred and showed all the right signs at Thirsk last time when making smooth progress only to finish fourth behind some smart looking fillies. That run alone would be enough to earn a mark in the low 70s and gives her plenty in hand of today's rivals.