Chester Bet Supporting British Stallions EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 13:52 | Winning time: 1m 33.59s

(3)

Breathalyze¹³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-6| J: R Kingscote| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 88| C

7/4

Improved from his first to second start, took a C&D novice last month to prove that point (looked useful). Ran just as well last time under more patient tactics over C&D (beaten 1L); conceded first run; strong hopes that he can progress further.

Form: 312

(1)

Cognac¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-6| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston

1/1

Gained experience over C&D behind Breathalyze on his debut (The New Marwan; second), knew his job but just lacked a little fitness. Left that form well behind when winning at Musselburgh (showed good attitude); chance to reverse the form.

Form: 31

(4)

The New Marwan⁴⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-6| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 81

7/1

Plenty of experience around here over 5f-7f (clashes with two old rivals again) but yet to win here with his win at Hamilton (6f) suggesting that track suited better. Tends to get a little outpaced here, looks to have a fair task on his hands.

Form: 62132

(2)

Wild Hero⁴³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-0| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding

9/1

Failed to meet the expectations of the market on his second run (indication was that he would improve greatly); still ran to a fair level. Both starts over 7f but looks the sort to need further and will come on further in nursery company.

Form: 05

Forecasts

Cognac (1/1), Breathalyze (7/4), The New Marwan (7/1), Wild Hero (9/1)

It looked clear that COGNAC needed his debut when splitting Breathalyze and The New Marwan on debut over C&D with the benefit of that positive start being shown next time out in his battling Musselburgh win. Showing a good attitude he found plenty for pressure and can now reverse the form with Breathalyze who represents a very capable and solid rival who failed to get the run of the race over C&D last time. The New Marwan despite his 6232 record at this venue doesn’t appear totally suited to the track and has a little to find with the principals. Wild Hero from a stable that has taken this in two of the past three years would need to make further progress to unsettle the main players.