Sussex Art Fairs (East) 12 October Maiden Auction Stakes

Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 1m 24.21s

(4)

Toolmaker

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: David Probert| T: D Flood

12/1

Eventually went for £9,000 as a two-year-old, the colt is out of a 7f winner in Australia who is a close relative of French Oaks winner Star Of Seville; yard quite just now, so likely the experience will bring him on a bundle.

Form:

(5)

Great Aim¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: J Tate

13/8

Out of a half-sister to Listed placed Leytana, who is from good stock for a mile-plus herself; the colt wasn't without support on debut and did show a good deal of promise. More to come and an in-form jockey booked to be in saddle is a big bonus.

Form: 4

(6)

Never In Red¹¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: K T O'Neill| T: R Brisland| OR: 69

9/2

Shown some ability in three starts so far; arguably the best effort came when third of five on debut at Hamilton in July. Sets a modest standard on BHA ratings at present but possible he can improve. Worth a betting check.

Form: 373

(3)

Simply Susan⁴⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton

11/4

A good run behind the (then) 75-rated Audio at Bath last month is a sound piece of form and this Canford Cliffs filly could be tough to hold back if she can better that performance today; player.

Form: 22

(1)

Annie Quickstep²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-10| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman

13/2

Not much to find after chasing home a couple of progressive types at Chepstow last month and this filly, who cost just £800, might well prove to be a bargain buy. Does need to prove the drop back to 6f will suit, though.

Form: 73

(2)

Grace Note^b1⁴⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 8-10| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Watson

16/1

Sound pedigree for this sort of trip but the filly needs to step up on the two efforts she's posted so far; qualifies for a mark after this so might just be the type who'll improve in handicaps a bit further down the line.

Form: 75

Forecasts

Great Aim (13/8), Simply Susan (11/4), Never In Red (9/2), Annie Quickstep (13/2), Toolmaker (12/1), Grace Note (16/1)

SIMPLY SUSAN looks the safest option at this stage and the daughter of Canford Cliffs will be a tough nut to crack if she can better last month's run at Bath; Annie Quickstep showed improved form in her latest start and can give the selection plenty to think about. Great Aim was well backed on debut and created the impression he has a race within him, so is another to monitor closely in the betting.