Apex Traffic Management Novice Stakes

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 1m 51.63s

(1)

Roman Stone⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: J Fanning| T: K Dalgleish

10/11

Built on his debut promise when going one better to win a Carlisle minor event in testing conditions over 1m1f (made all). Drops back to 1m on a quicker surface with a penalty to give away; still has further scope for progress.

Form: 21

(3)

Bashful Boy³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Harrison Shaw⁽³⁾| T: J Feane

7/1

Ran to a modest level on his only outing so far finishing fourth of five in a Killarney minor event over 1m3f (never dangerous). Has work to do with the two principals based on that performance although the market may provide better clues.

Form: 4

(2)

Modakhar¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke

5/4

Offered something to work on from his debut (ran for Richard Hannon) at Haydock when next seen for this yard at Catterick earlier this month. Both starts over 7f (steps up in trip here); only narrowly beaten last time, more to come over 1m.

Form: 42

Forecasts

Roman Stone (10/11), Modakhar (5/4), Bashful Boy (7/1)

All of this triumvirate has something going for them although the Irish challenger Bashful Boy has the most to find in terms of experience and performance, the market should provide a good guide to the level of expectations around his chance. There’s little between the two principals on what they have shown so far but the weight received by MODAKHAR just tips the decision in his favour especially as he shaped as though this trip would suit when just touched off at Catterick. Roman Stone may enjoy the run of the race again but his 7lb penalty plus a quicker surface means he could have to settle for second this time around.