Gary Reid Memorial Irish EBF Maiden Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 16:57 | Winning time: 1m 27.64s

(6)

Arabian Moon³¹

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

8/1

Both runs have come over 7½f at Ffos Las, and he improved markedly on his debut form when 1½L second of 5 to Hexagon there last time. More needed, but he will most likely do better yet.

Form: 32

(3)

Maori Knight⁵⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: S W Kelly| T: R Hughes

5/2

Looked in need of the experience on debut at Newbury in July, but shaped very well in staying on for third of 14 behind the promising Encipher. Sure to improve, and merits maximum respect for all he will be even better suited by 1m.

Form: 3

(2)

Raaeb

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Jim Crowley| T: S bin Suroor

11/10

By Ravens Pass out of a useful 1½m winner. Yard 6-51 with two-year-old debutants in the past 12 months, and this homebred colt is worth a market check on his first assignment.

Form:

(1)

Sir Charles Punch¹⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: G Lee| T: J G Given

50/1

Green when fifth of 9 on debut at Beverley last month, but he failed to improve as anticipated when filling the same spot at Newcastle next time, and surprise if he could come out on top here.

Form: 55

(4)

Talap⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-5| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian

7/2

Son of Kingman from a talented middle-distance family. Needed experience when a promising fifth of 10 to Enemy in a 7f maiden at Ascot a week ago, and claims if this doesn't come too soon.

Form: 5

Non-Runners

(5)

Strait Of Hormuz⁹

Weight: 9-5| Age: 2

T: A M Balding J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Raaeb (11/10), Maori Knight (5/2), Talap (7/2), Strait Of Hormuz (7/2), Arabian Moon (8/1), Sir Charles Punch (50/1)

Hard to be dogmatic, but Royal Lodge entry MAORI KNIGHT looked a good prospect when third at Newbury, and is the type to improve markedly, so shades the verdict over Talap and Arabian Moon, the former turned out quickly after showing promise at Ascot just a week ago.