14:10 Leicester

Sunday 11 August 2019

All14:1014:4515:1515:5016:2016:5017:25

Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 1m 26.31s

(2)

Bad Rabbit²⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: David Probert| T: D Loughnane| OR: 69

20/1

Has yet to hit the frame in his three starts so far. He was travelling well at the front end of the field last time at Ascot (7f) until the final 2f where he then weakened to finish fifth of 12. Not short of experience now but others are preferred.

Form: 745

(5)

Can't Stop Now¹³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox

7/2

Has had the two racecourse starts now. He was last of five on his debut at Ascot over 5f. Appeared at Windsor (6f) on his latest outing where he was much better, finishing fourth of nine. Likely to take another step forward so one to consider.

Form: 54

(8)

Inflamed¹³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Liam Keniry| T: E Walker

50/1

This is his third appearance on the track and comes following two disappointing runs so far. Was ninth of 13 on debut at Salisbury (7f) and then failed to improve on second start at Ffos Las (7½f) where he was sixth of eight. Needs to produce more.

Form: 96

(4)

Locked N' Loaded

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Tom Marquand| T: R Hannon

8/1

Morpheus colt who cost €1,500. His dam stayed up to 1m1½f but was a maiden. Has to be respected from this top yard on his debut. Keep an eye out for any market confidence behind him here.

Form:

(1)

Murraymint

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett

11/1

Wootton Bassett colt who cost €25,000 as two-year-old. He is a half-brother to Dimaond Chief who scored over 1m as a two-year-old in France. Big run likely on his opening start, especially if fancied in the betting.

Form:

(6)

Surf Dancer¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: D Tudhope| T: W J Haggas

4/7

Was fifth of seven on his debut at Ascot last month over 6f when going off at 13/2. He was short for room in the closing stages of his opening start which did not help his chances. This assignment looks easier. Leading contender.

Form: 5

(3)

Utopian Lad¹³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: F Norton| T: Tom Dascombe

16/1

Yet to hit the frame in his two starts but there were signs of promise last time at Windsor (6f) when fifth of nine. He was at the rear of the field for the majority of the race but did make some smooth headway in closing stages. One to watch.

Form: 55

(7)

We're Reunited¹⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: E J Walsh| T: R Harris

33/1

Showed some promise on his debut at Salisbury (6f) when third of six where he ran green for the majority of the contest. Does need to settle better to be in with a shot of winning this. Likely to improve though so each-way claims.

Form: 3

Forecasts

Surf Dancer (4/7), Can't Stop Now (7/2), Locked N' Loaded (8/1), Murraymint (11/1), Utopian Lad (16/1), Bad Rabbit (20/1), We're Reunited (33/1), Inflamed (50/1)

SURF DANCER shaped well until he was short for room on his debut at Ascot in a much stronger contest than this. If he comes on for that run, he is the one they all have to beat here. Murraymint is the most interesting of the newcomers and is likely to give a good account of himself on his debut, while Can't Stop Now was much better on his second start and if he improves again, he should be good enough to hit the frame here.